In these tough dry times, we need to look after each other

COLUMNIST urges readers to ask family and friends if they are okay in these tough times.

Southern Downs residents are ready for their next walk to the rain gauge. Picture: Gerard Walsh

DRY AS A BONE column in Bush Telegraph by Gerard Walsh - A lighter look at rural life

I HAVEN'T looked at the long-range forecast this week and I don't think I will.

It does knock the stuffing out of me to see there isn't much rain around the corner.

A look at the Monday morning sky tells me that.

On a positive note, last week's market for cattle was a bit better.

There is no doubt the greatest influence on the cattle market is the number of cattle marketed each week.

The good money last week was on prices struggling due to two public holidays but that wasn't necessarily the case.

I suspect many producers are holding sale cattle until all the public holidays are over.

Are you ok?

THE stress of dry weather and not-so-good prices is tough on a lot of people in the bush and in the adjoining towns.

It is obvious many individuals and families on the land and associated town businesses are struggling and it is up to each of us to ask our friends, relatives, neighbours and business associates if they are OK.

If someone rings you and leaves a message, don't leave it to the next day to call them back. Call them today.

They may just want a friendly voice on the other end of the phone.

Everyone reacts differently when stressed. I'm a talker but some people just go very quiet.

There is help at hand for anyone who is stressed about the dry weather, resultant lack of water or anything.

Anyone in need canphone Lifeline on 131114.

Top decision

NINE months ago, the Warwick Polocrosse Club made a decision to cancel its August Rose Bowl carnival and save the fields for the World Cup.

It was a big call at the time with nine months to go but the club was right in deciding if the next nine months were dry, the fields wouldn't have enough time to recover for a World Cup.

Saving the fields from damage last year meant a lot less water was needed on the fields from July to April.

Fields that have been damaged by a weekend of playing would need a lot of water to help in the recovery process than fields that are not played on for a year.

It was great to see the crowd support for the cup.

From what I heard, it was a good time for most businesses.

Major events are important to all areas in the region.

It could be a SSAA shooting championship at Inglewood or a horse ride at Killarney - everything that is held in this area is a bonus for our economy.

Originally published as In these tough dry times, we need to look after each other