Farming demand

At a time of uncertainty for the business community, the agricultural backbone of West Gippsland may have the opportunity to reap rewards.

Volatile markets, seasonal conditions and farmgate prices are renowned for impacting on agricultural industries but in the current climate, the food bowl has become a necessity.

Vin Rowe director Stephen Pike said the one thing that had emerged strongly over the past week was the demand for food.

“The positive thing is the farmers are seeing demand they haven’t seen in a long time,” he said.

With the cancellation of Farm World having a significant impact on the West Gippsland business sector, Vin Rowe has reported an encouraging level of business in the past week.

Mr Pike said people had realised any imported machinery would be subjected to significant price rises once coronavirus is over.

“People who are aware of that are looking to buy something that is in stock and we are certainly seeing that.

“Dairy farmers have had a really good season…they’ve had rain, warm days and it hasn’t dried off. They realise that now is the time to buy something,” he said.

Mr Pike said traditionally farmers did their research on machinery in the lead up to Farm World and then made buying decisions.

“Nobody buys anything leading up to Farm World. They do their research and then they buy.

“With no Farm World we have seen that this week,” he said.

Mr Pike said as well as sales, a lot of inquiries were in limbo but he was confident many would convert to sales.

Local medical clinics are taking extra measures and encouraging phone or video consultations to minimise the risk and spread of Covid-19 for patients and staff.

Patients visiting clinics can expect to be asked to stop and perform a self-screening prior to entry, face extra questions upon entry or when making a booking, and experience social distancing measures.

Questions can include: have you got flu-like symptoms, have you recently travelled overseas, been on a cruise or been in contact with someone who has, or been in contact with someone with confirmed coronavirus?

People aged over 70, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged over 50, those with a chronic disease or disease that reduces immunity as well as pregnant women or parents of new babies are amongst those who may qualify for bulk-billed phone or video consultations. Contact your clinic for further information.

Central Clinic in Warragul said while coronavirus was of concern, it was important to remember that most people displaying these symptoms were likely suffering with a cold or other respiratory illness – not coronavirus.

“The symptoms of Covid-19 are similar to other cold and flus and include: fever, sore throat, cough, tiredness (and) difficulty breathing,” said Central Clinic.

“We are relieved that the Federal Government has announced new Medicare billing items to allow bulk-billed phone or video consultations to reduce the risk of exposure to Covid-19 for patients and healthcare staff.”

It added that practising good hands and sneeze/cough hygiene and keeping your distance from others when sick was the best defence against most viruses.

For further advice, contact your local medical clinic or the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.