My fervent wish is that this year brings us good luck, good health and happiness.

A bonus would be if the rain gods continue to prevail and if commodity prices continue in a similar vein to what our industry experienced in 2016.

Being a somewhat avid reader of newspapers, a recent article in one of the leading journals caught my eye with many quotes and statements attributed to Mr Barnaby Joyce as Minister for Agriculture.

In this commentary, Mr Joyce suggested that Australian agriculture is entering a “golden era”. For the first time, national agriculture production will exceed $60 billion dollars.

Our exports in primary productions are now second only to the sale of iron ore. The article goes on to claim that this harvest only recently completed yielded 52.4 million tonnes of wheat, other grains and pulses.

Western Australia would have been an even greater contributor to the total if it had not suffered some late frosts over the grain belt.

A further boost to the rural economy should be a very substantial cotton crop with all water storages chock-a-block and the outlook very positive.

All producers appreciate how buoyant cattle, sheep and lamb prices have been and while there is no conjecture about how long these prices can last, my gut feeling is that while seasons remain good, a rebuilding of both flock and herds continue unabated.

A major correction in price will be difficult for processors to implement.

The other great cornerstone of our rural economy that may have passed unnoticed in some circles is the tremendous strength of the wool market. Some analysts suggest that at the current time in the cycle, the best and most successful place to be is Merino to Merino.

Back to some of Mr Joyce’s suggestion in the recent article. The possibility of turning the East Coast rivers in the north such as the Burdekin, Tully and Herbert back over the range into Central Queensland would unlock so much potential for large scale agriculture that it would make the mind boggle.

Mr Joyce also raises the possibility of piping water from the highland of New Guinea into the headwaters of the Darling Basin.

His argument is that the authorities think it is feasible to do this with natural gas, so why not water?

Also don’t forget people have for decades spoken of the potential to bring water from the Ord and other rivers in the North West to help supply southern states. If any one of these schemes were to see the light of day we could in reality, really become “the food bowl of South East Asia”.

Personal thoughts are that we would love to see politician of a similar ilk to those who built the Snowy River Scheme etc grasp one of these schemes by the throat and progress it immediately for the welfare of the entire nation. Unfortunately Mr Joyce may be one of only very few pollies who think this way.

Dubbo Prime Cattle on Thursday, January 5 saw only 460 offered. Market for cows, heavy steers, bullocks and bulls certainly softer. Best young cattle sold very well. G and S Mitchell Neilrex Euro Cross Vealers to 349.2 cents averaging $1283.00

No Ballimore auction in January. Next sale at that venue Sunday, February 19. Two store cattle sale in Jan one on the 13^th followed by another grouping on Friday 30.