Region’s farmers cheer good year ahead

AFTER arguably the most challenging few years on record in the rural sector, the state’s farmers, including those across our region, are heading into winter with a renewed confidence, according to a survey conducted by agribusiness giant Rabobank.

Completed last month, the survey found nearly 90 per cent of NSW farmers expect business conditions over the coming year to improve or remain similar to last year.

Strong commodity prices were largely responsible for the sentiment, cited by 64 per cent of respondents who expected improved conditions, with this being particularly so among beef and sheep producers.

Continuing excellent seasonal conditions in most regions, along with favourable interest rates were also factors contributing to the confidence in the coming year.

THE Wilderness Society is breaking new ground with a running event in the Pilliga Forest set to raise awareness and funds to save the landscape from Coal Seam Gas (CSG) extraction.

“Join us on a challenge over breathtaking rocky outcrops, stunning views and rare eucalypt woodlands,” the spiel goes as the society asks runners to sign up now for this life-changing run through the unique and wild forests of the state’s North West.

The three newly created trail running events (5km, 20km and 50km) aim to raise money and awareness to support The Wilderness Society’s campaign to protect the Pilliga Forest and its communities from what it says is damaging fossil fuels and to “bring the nation closer to a liveable environmental future”.

Organisers claim the Pilliga Ultra is an opportunity to make your voice heard and to show the “future of this forest is worth more standing tall and free than depleted and extracted”.