The Square Leg Files is no longer. Thanks all for viewing. Adios

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Final edition

Yes folks, after 7 years this will be the last edition of the Square Leg Files. I have been grappling with this decision for some time and woke up this morning and said “I can do no more”. Reasons, I’m just to far removed now and am finding it hard to come up with stories. A lot of the main characters are a little quieter these days or have moved on, I was reading an edition from 3 years ago and it had so much more in it back then. I have really enjoyed doing this for the community and will miss it, but its time. If somebody else want to take it over I will help get them going.

Missed by that much….

Nearly but not quite. At Murtoa on Saturday the Wallaloo team, consisting of John “be my” Guest, Lyle “Chopper” Johnson, Rod “Rude” Reading, Josh “JR” Reading, Gary “Larry” Cameron, Bruce “Boofhead” Hendy and Ben “Glendemar” Duxson, nearly come home with the chocolates. With all the scores counted Murtoa and Wallaloo where locked on 444 points each. Which comes to the count back of the card that got thrown out. Unfortunately Wallaloo's "big man that travels by truck" had a shocker and Murtoa snuck over the line. Disappointing but as they say "there is always next year".

Banyena Cup next week

23 Played for Presidents day. Winners Phil and Robyn Illes, runner-up, Joy Newall and Graeme Ellen. Sam Reading won the stroke. Next week is the very popular Banyena Cup. Great evening of Greek celebration's, souvalki's for tea and plenty of dancing. Come dressed as your favourite greek character. Thanks to Tom and Sue O'Shannessy and Jan and Jim Crow for there continued sponsorship. Word has it that a few of the old "Banyenian's" are making a comeback. Would love to see Peter “Bocky” Byrne out there whacking the sticks. Come and join the locals at the "Royal" for a great event. Oh there is golf on during the day for those interested.

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Hello Again

Hello and welcome to another edition of the SLF. Great to see some rain around with the Marnoo area having around 20mm. Just what the doctor ordered, there will be some diesel burnt now.

Talking footy

Isn’t the AFL competition close. Good to see some of the less successful saide over the last five years making some progress ie Tiger, Bombers and West Coast. My team the Tigers are on fire at the moment and it’s hard not to get excited and what about Trent “Nisbet” Cotchin, isn’t he a player. It must be the Nisbet sporting ability coming through……

Golf report

Saturday's results. 5 players all went round in one group. Was a warm and windy day with the course hard and plenty of run. There where only 2 shots separating the 5 players. Winner John Guest 88, 17, 71. Next week is GAS shield at Murtoa. Team is Rod Reading, Josh Reading, Sam Reading, Larry Cameron, John Guest, Lyle Johnson and Ben Duxson.

That’s all for this week folks

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Hello Again

Welcome again to another edition of the Square Leg Files. I was back in the district this weekend and things look a bit dry. Some farmers are sowing but they are not going real hard, preferring to string it out and wait for rain. Might be something this coming weekend.

Great News

Hearty congratulations go to SLF Hall of Fame member Bruce “Boofhead” Hendy and his recent engagement to his delightful partner Sue. Will this be the wedding of the year (maybe not, see post below). I actually caught up with “Boof” and met Sue at the “Royal” on Saturday night and the big fella has a constant smile from ear to ear… Well done

Bon Voyage

One such farmer who is going flat out putting the crop in is Trent Carter. You see at the end of the month Trent and his lovely partner Kate are heading to Europe for 6 weeks. They have a couple of weddings to go to as well and some general sight seeing. The talk on Saturday night at the “Royal” was could something else a little bit special happen on the trip??????

70 and counting

SLF all time favourite and number 1 Hall of Fame member John “Jack” Cameron turn 70 last Friday. I called in and saw Jack on Sunday and he didn’t let me down. Fist of all he was in his usual post, his chair on the back veranda, he had a cigarette in one hand and a stubbie in the other. And before I finished shaking his hand he asked if I wanted a one too. I was just great to see all the family gathered around to celebrate this milestone as he has entertained the masses for many of his 70 years.

Could he make 80?

The big question now is could Jack make 80, I mean he has been talking for many years that he’s only has a year or 2 left in him but sitting back there on Sunday he looked as fit as a fiddle. I mean you hear of fit guys who eat organic food and run every day dropping dead of a heart attack. Well Jack has virtually smoke ciggies all his life, he has probably drunk his fair share of beer and I doubt he would have got into a jog since he sent down his last thunderbolt in cricket. But I personally think he will last a few more years yet before that much talked about trip to Gray’s Bridge. Perhaps many years just so long as he doesn’t change his routine……

Mountain out of a molehill

Rumours are flying that a former district cricketer by the name of Tony Croft is going to pull on the whites for Marnoo this coming season. I haven’t ever heard of him but he has bought a block of land near Stawell and knows Stewart “Smacka” MacPherson fairly well. So much so that he asked “Smacka” if he could buy some sheep off him as he wanted to make some goats cheese……

That will do

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Hello Again

Welcome to another edition of the SLF, I hope you all had a great Easter break. I know I certainly did. Good to be back into the swing of things though.

Mice and issue

I was talking to a farmer who farms about 40 km North of Yarrawonga yesterday and he was telling me he had sown some Canola and Lupins on the back of a good rain 3 weeks ago. All was looking good until last week when the mice moved in and destroyed the lot. The farmer said it was a real blow as the seed cost alone was substantial. It has put him off sowing other crops at this point in time.

Larry on Fire

In what was perfect weather for the first round of ANZ cup yesterday, 11 players journeyed to the “Royal” and it was Gary “Larry” Cameron who took the honours. Larry shot a very impressive 72, 13, 59. Larry only has to turn up for the next rounds of the ANZ and the cup is his. In second spot is the very erratic John "Bushranger" Guest with a 68 nett. Stroke next week then the second round of ANZ, make sure you get along

And the big move into town…….

Larry and his lovely partner Emma are making the big move from farm to town. They are renting the school house opposite the corner shop. Not sure what Emma or Larry are like in the kitchen but I do know that Larry will certainly miss his mother “Fayzee’s” cooking as she is know as one of the districts best. With these guys moving out of the “Roslyn” homestead it will give SLF “favorite” John “Jack” Cameron a little more space. On the downside though, “Jack” will lose a good drinking partner……

Quick trip

Callawadda’s most famous entrepreneur Sandy “The Know all” McGregor was up for the Easter weekend and took in both the Gift and the Stawell races whilst he was here. However he did ask himself what he was going to do on the Monday inbetween the Races and the Gift. So what do you do when you have squllions? You hire a plane, pick 6 of your mates up and head to Adelaide, jump in a stretch Hummer and head to Oakbank races for the day, then you jump back in the Hummer and head back again. Not bad if you get an invite…….

A word from the sponsor

If you haven’t got all your seed requirements for this years sowing then make sure you give Product Tender a try before your buy. If you have already joined just login, if you haven’t then just join, then go to the Product Tender page and click on list something www.thefarmtrader.com.au/product-tenders

That’s about all folks

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Welcome

Hello and welcome to another edition of the SLF. I managed to get back to the area over the weekend, which was fantastic. Here are some of the stories we dug up.

Golf course tricky

I journeyed down to the Royal on Saturday night where about 10 members hit the course. They all said the course is as tricky as it has been for sometime with thick mat of cut dry grass with a sprinkling of green shoots that are coming through. One golfer namely Ben “Glendemar” Duxson actually lost his ball in the middle of the fairway, it was later picked up by the group behind.

Golfers needed

I was talking to a few of the “Royal” members and they are a little disappointed with the numbers that have turned out thus far. They are urging golfers to put a couple of hours on a Saturday arvo to play. This will help get the atmosphere back into the place that was evident a couple of years ago. Wallaloo has one of the best clubs in the Wimmera but if players start dropping off it will slide back with the “also rans”. So golfers and/or non golfers start making an effort.

Be my Guest

One bloke that doesn’t change is John “Be My” Guest. He ventured off the 18th a little worse for wear and was greeted by his lovely partner Andrea who immediately could tell that perhaps he had “over catered” somewhat after rounding with Ben “Glendemar” Duxson and Rod “Rude” Reading

Have caravan will travel

Rodney “Rude” Reading and his lovely wife Heather have developed a travel bug. So much so that they have purchased a caravan. You would think the first trip would be to say the Grampian or Batyo Catyo but no they are crossing the Nullarbor to Perth. Not sure when all this is happening but we hope they have fun….

Yucksome

The mice a reeking havoc around the Wimmera and beyond and a couple of stories from my Twitter mates will make your stomach turn. If you have a week stomach turn away now….. One bloke from up near Moulamein had his slow cooker running with a lovely stew ready to be devoured only to discover a mouse had crawled in through the slightly ajar lid. He managed to spot the offender before he started eating. Another lady says she was in the bathroom when a mouse dropped out of the IXL Tastic and onto her head.

A word from the Sponsors

The new slogan for Product Tender is – Give us a try before you buy. If you are looking to buy something then all you do is join or login, then click on the Product Tender page and click on List something. Simple as that….

Easter next week

Correct me if I am wrong, but I am assuming there will be no Community News next week because of Easter, so will ses you after that….

Adios

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Hello Again

Hello again and welcome to another week of the Square Leg Files. Great to see the end of day light saving, not that I am not a fan, it’s just that I enjoy the change. What are your thoughts on day light savings?

Cricket friend passes away

I was saddened to hear the news that Wimmera Mallee cricketing legend Ross “AR” Loats passed away last week. Now many in the Marnoo cricketing circles had a great affinity with “AR” as he provided great entertainment, humour and was a very good competitive cricketer. As mentioned he connected with many Marnoo cricketers over the years and many will remember his stable of sayings. Now I warn you that you have to of know Ross to find some of these funny but to those who do they will remain memories that can be only associated to Ross himself. Here are some…… McLennan you’re nothing but a dickhead – Killed it didn’t I Nisbet – If you are going to hit it in the air, hit it straight – Get a bag – Did you get a root? Mallee – Every dog has his day, some more than others – He can’t bat – He bowls plenty hittable – Wouldn’t mind facing him every week – Piss off would yu you young upstart.

Statement well founded

Bruce “Boofheads” Hendy’s footballing knowledge came to the fore last week when he made a genius statement that his beloved Blues would beat the Gold Coast. Well not really rocket science as it turned out but he did add a fair bit of incentive for Gazza and the Sun boys. If Carlton had of lost he would have dropped his strides and run down the main street of Marnoo in full daylight. Thanks Gazza for losing….

193 and counting

I can’t believe that I have served up 193 Square Leg Files on the blog, now I’m sure I did many more before we started the blog so I am guessing we are around 250 perhaps 300 editions of the Square Leg Files. Now that is a fair bit of bullshit over a long period of time.

Pup takes over as Captain

The MCC has moved very quickly onto the front foot by announcing Will “Pup” McAllister as the team Captain for season 2011/2012. Will is 19 next year and will become one of the youngest captains in MCC history. Our hearty congratulations go out to Will and I’m sure everyone will get behind him.

MCC winds up the year

About 40 turned out for the end of season day at Trent (& Kate) Carter’s place on Sunday. Not sure who won all the trophies but who needs trophies when you can catch about 40kg of yabbies tails. Not sure what time they all finished up but I’m told that it was a great day had by all.

A word from the sponsor

The Farm Trader keeps growing on a weekly basis and the Product Tender service is becoming more popular with over 150 deals being done thus far. Currently we have a requirement for oats, either milling or feed grade. If you are interested then email dwain.duxson@thefarmtrader.com.au the details of the oats you have as well as what sort of money your want for them. Just quote an ex farm price.

Have a great week

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Welcome

Welcome to another edition of the Square Leg Files. Another quiet week in the Marnoo district, sorta in between seasons, Cricket & Golf, Harvest and Sowing etc . I have however, given a few predictions for the year ahead, see them below. Here we go….

Don’t worry about round 1

There will be many out there who write of teams after round 1, but from experience my warning is “don’t”. People will be selling down the value of teams like Western Bulldogs, St Kilda etc but they will bounce back, will be interesting in the next couple of weeks.

I’m turning the bloody phone off

Former fruiterer and arguably (big argue) Marnoo’s fastest ever bowler John “Fruity” Nisbet was getting ready for the assault well before it was going to happen. When I spoke to him last Thursday he mentioned that he was ready to turn the phone off if the Bombers beat the Bulldogs. Well they did. I know Fruity tipped that a couple of selected Marnoo Bombers supporters in particular would be trying to contact him after the win.

Autumn weather to die for

I don’t know if you agree but I reckon Autumn is the best time of year, the mornings are crisp and a little damp, the wind is usually calm, the sun is just warm enough but not to hot and the days are slightly shorter. Gotta love it

Golf just around the corner

The golf season is about ready to fire up and this season will be an interesting one. Golf seems to be a little stale in the area (I mean the Wimmera) with Wallaloo one of the few shining lights. However the Royal can’t rest on their laurels and just keep churning out the same old fixtures, they need to come up with some new and innovative fixtures to keep the younger members of the community interested. Any thoughts……

Square Legs tip for this year

We will have 30 inches for the year at Marnoo. The October Ram Sales will be the biggest ever. Trent “Irons” Carter will win the golf championship by one shot from Rod “Rocket” Reading. Crops will get through with average yields despite the wet. The Muddy will have run 12 times by the end of the year. Someone in the district will come into a lot of money (like I mean a real lot). Brian “Farmer” Healy will get another good horse.

A word from the sponsors

Remember if your want to buy something try Product Tender. Just login or join and then go to PRODUCT TENDER, then LIST SOMETHING.

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Welcome

Hello and welcome to this week’s edition of the Square Leg Files. Not much news around at the moment so it will be brief.

Wally’s wedding

Part time Marnoo resident Wally “Wallace” O’Connor is about the tie the knot with the lovely Pilar next week in the town of Salto, Uruguay. Our very own Ben “Glendemar” Duxson has jetted of to do the duties of Best Man. We certainly wish them all the best for the big day and beyond.

Smithy fires up

Feisty Murtoa resident Dave “Smithy” Smith was in peak form at the Cricket Semi Final 2 weekends ago when Marnoo were playing Donald. I’m told that the Donald boys where doing a bit of sledging and Smith thought it was his duty to give some back and he did. The verbal stoush between Smith and Donald Captain Lachlan Jones went on for sometime after Jones failed twice with the bat. They didn’t come to blows but the language was colourful. I’m told by my spy that Smith took the honours….

Don’t miss this

Our sponsor www.thefarmtrader.com.au has recorded a cue by recruiting everyone’s favourite weather girl Jane Bunn to exclusively bring the weather to there Farm Talk platform. So each day just go to the Farm Talk platform and view what I consider to be the most detailed and accurate weather forecast around. It usually comes in at about 11am. Also don’t miss Monday’s Expert on Monday night 8pm, we have some very special guests each week. Just go to the Farm Talk platform.

Golf Season not to far away

It’s nearly time to dust off the golf sticks for another season ahead. I hear that the new season is set to get under way early April. I am guessing the couch grass would have had a great growing summer with all the rain around, this means that the course will be in tip top shape early and will maintain that throughout the year. That’s of course if it doesn’t get to wet.

That’s all folks

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Welcome

Hello and welcome to another edition of the Square Leg Files. It’s been a quiet week with only one real news story coming across my desk. Here we go….

Cricketers go down by 1 run.

I spoke to a dejected Marnoo Captain Gary “Larry” Cameron who informed me that the MCC had lost their semi final clash to the newly formed Donald Cricket Club by 1 run. Larry we telling me they need 7 runs for the last wicket when a storm crossed the ground and delayed play for half an hour. When they resumed play the ball became very slippery making it hard for the Marnoo bowlers to control. This allowed Donald to get the 7 runs required, they then lost the 10^th wicket after they had passed the score by 1 run. It’s a bitterly disappointing pill to swallow when you are so close to a grand final berth. Bad luck boys

Memories

Talking about the cricket final bought back memories of Marnoo’s famous “Bloodbath” victory. In that game Marnoo beat arch rivals Rich Avon by 2 wickets in a game where 3 players were suspended for bringing the game into disrepute. The action started when a Rich Avon player tried to trip Dwain “Daryl” Duxson, Duxson took a dive and it all got ugly from there. It did however fire the Marnoo side right up with fast bowler Andrew “Clown” Newell bowling one of the fastest spells of bowling you will ever see. It was a much savoured victory for Marnoo and they celebrated accordingly.

A word from the sponsor

Don’t forget if need to buy something then give Product Tender a try. Got to www.thefarmtrader.com.au login or join then go to the Product Tender page and click on list something. As simple as that… Also tune in Monday nights at 8pm for Monday’s Expert, this Monday we are interviewing Grahame Rees from KLR Marketing. The subject is “buying stock when prices are high”

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Hello Hello

Welcome again to another week of the SLF. I caught up with quite a few natives at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days last week which was good. I even managed to get a few stories….Here we go…

Field Days positive

The general feeling at the Field Days was very positive but a rumour that spread like wildfire could dampen some of the spirits. Apparently the talk is that 12 inches of rain is coming on the 18^th of March. We will have to wait and see.

Cricketers in the Finals

I’m excited my favourite cricket team the MCC has made the finals and will now play off next Saturday and Sunday in the semi-final. There is a air of confidence that the MCC bowling attack has peaked at the right time and if the game is played on turf Marnoo will be right in the mix against there more highly fancied opponents. Let’s all get behind them and boy’s don’t look back, just give it everything.

Mayor would love to go out on a high

I spoke to arguably Marnoo’s greatest cricketer Derek “The Mayor” Cameron last week and he was hoping for a win last weekend (and he got it) so he could bow out of his illustrious cricket career with a finals gig. “The Mayor” said it is all too much now for the body and would love to be part of another MCC Premiership in his last game. “The Mayor” has played all his cricket at Marnoo and on his day was one of the most destructive batsmen in country cricket. Well done Mayor

Overcoming Pressure

It was a pressure situation the MCC had on their hands as they had to win the last game outright. Now let me tell you winning outright doesn’t happen to often and virtually everything has to go right. And obviously it did as I got the text through from Armand “Herbie” Duxson saying the job was done and bring on next weekend. Geez I’m excited and wish I could be there…….

Sales bonanza

I caught up with local funnymen Reuben “Rostron” Cheesman and Stewart “Smacka” MacPherson during the week as they assumed their usual role of talking sales people for another famous local identity Nigel “Winebar” Slee’s Wahroonga outfit. “Smacka” was telling me the “Wino” made quite a few sales during the Field Days but all those sales were made when either “Rostron” or “Samcka” had left the stand to go and have a look around. I think “Wino” employs them for entertainment value.

Time flies

I was drinking away in a pub (as you do) in Horsham last week when I spotted Young Robbie McAllister and his cousin Nick Reading, now I have been away from the area for some time now and to see these guys and how grown up they now are is a bit of a shock to the system because you can only sort of remember how they were. Robbie is fully entrenched in Horsham life and young Nick is also up there learning a craft. I’m not going to say whether young Nick was drinking frothies or not because I’m not exactly sure of his age. But anyway his dear old dad Mark was hunting around those areas at the same age many moons ago…..

Jumpin Johnny says continue

Talking to cropping guru “Jumpin” John Newall at the field days and he asked that I keep this little gig going because if I gave it away he would have to do it and he doesn’t want to.

A word from the sponsor

Former local Dwain “Daryl Duxson and his lovely wife Paula were manning The Farm Trader site at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days last week and said it was great to sign up about 70 new members. They said even a few locals signed up and the ones they spoke to now have a better understanding of what Product Tender does now. It’s a buying service and if you need to buy anything Ag related you just list it and The Farm Trader goes to work to find you quotes. To list just join or login then go to the Product Tender Page and click on list something. Will take you less than 2 minutes.

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Welcome Again

Hello and welcome to another edition of the Square Leg Files. Boy did this weekend go quickly, I’m not sure about you but I thought that it went like a rocket. Anyway I haven’t been back to the village for a month or so, this means that we haven’t really been up with all the info, but we will see how we go….

The MCC march for the finals

The Marnoo Cricket Club is powering towards this year finals after an emphatic 1^st inning win against cellar dweller Beulah/Hopetoun. They bowled the combine out for 30 on the Beulah turf and then were bowled out for 70 and at the end of the day Beulah/Hopetoun were 1/20. Now there is still plenty of cricket to be played in this game as Marnoo need to win outright (on 2^nd innings) to make the finals, but they are well and truly in the box seat. All the best boys, we will be watching with great interest.

The weather hostess with the mostest

Everyone’s favourite weather girl Jane Bunn visited Marnoo last week and I saw a photo on facebook of her good self in-between two living legends of the district Armand “Herbie” Duxson and Stewart “Smacka” MacPherson. Talk about a rose between two thorns.

She actually knows her stuff

Jane Bunn is not only a pretty face but she actually knows here stuff and her talk was really interesting according to “Smacka”. And a tip from the lady, well she is saying there still could be a flood event or two to come yet.

Field Day time

It’s that time of year again, Wimmera Field Day time and our very loyal sponsor The Farm Trader will be there. They said if you are at the Field Days make sure you call in as they are in the Alan Heard pavilion. I reckon that they will get a huge crowd this year as there is some real positivity in Agriculture at the moment. You mark my words but I think that Ag is in for a very exciting decade as the world starts to focus of food security and how we are going to feed ourselves in the future. Exciting times ahead…..

Monday’s Expert

Our valued sponsor www.thefarmtrader.com.au is starting a new interview series to be run on its Farm Talk platform. They get an expert in and they interview them with a series of questions. This Monday (28^th) they are talking Carbon Tax and the affect it is going to have on Agriculture with Michael and Louisa Kiely from Carbon Farmers of Australia. Just tune into Farm Talk from 8pm www.thefarmtrader.com.au/farm-talk

It’s goodnight from me and goodnight from him

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Hello Hello

Welcome to another week of the SLF, I am writing today’s edition from the South Coast of NSW where the weather is showery and a little on the cooler side. Have a little unit on the beach, I’m sitting on the balcony peering over the laptop screen at the ocean. Nice spot but only a short trip, home tomorrow. Anyway that’s enough about me….

Pink day raises $1600

Cricket ground across Australia turned pink on Saturday as clubs raised money for the McGrath Foundation. It’s a great initiative whereby the McGrath Foundation donates $500 with of cricket equipment (eg pink stumps, wrist bands, keeping gloves and pads, hats etc) and the club gets to keep the equipment if they raise some money (can be any amount) for the foundation.

Marnoo Victory

The MCC had a comfortable win against Charlton during on the weekend and they now have to win the last game outright to make the finals. Now, they play cellar dweller Beulah/Hopetoun and will need to bowl first, get them out cheaply, then whip up the runs quickly (preferably get 100 in front) then send them back in again and get all 10 wickets as cheaply as possible. Sounds like a plan to me.

Sheep on the up and up

Has there ever been a better time to be in sheep? Marnoo is an Australia wide renowned sheep region and we can expect unprecedented interest in this years round of field days and ram sales later in the year. Mutton prices are as high as they have ever been, lamb just keeps going up on a weekly basis and wool, yes good old wool is at a very high level. We will watch with interest.

Field Days next week

The Wimmera Machinery Field Days are on again next week and it looks like being a must attend event. It starts on Tuesday and finishes on Thursday.

Rodney Rude out of luck

Gun Wallaloo East farmer Rodney “Rude” Reading had a smashing good time at the Yarrawonga Country Week tennis held last week. But he did have one disappointment, he didn’t get to ride on the Dwain “Daryl” Duxson’s barby boat. You see the starter motor shit itself, which meant it had to be sent away to get fixed. Rude had a hefty crew of 14 ready to take to the waters of Lake Mulwala when the pin had to be pulled on the job. I think he was a little bit disappointed.

A word from the sponsor

GM of The Farm Trader Dwain “Daryl” Duxson was telling me that they are getting more and more Product Tenders on each week and it’s now turning into a market place where farmers can sell to other farmers. Take for example, there is one requirement for 400 ton of wheat straw (PT #124), another one for Feed Barley (PT #123) and another one for 40 tons of seed lupins (PT #121), So if you have any of the above item here is a real opportunity to sell at your price. Just go to www.thefarmtrader.com.au/product-tenders or email dwain.duxson@thefarmtrader.com.au or call on 0427 011900. Also we will be at the field days next week in the Alan Heard pavilion, so make sure you come and visit.

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Hello again

Welcome again to another edition of the SLF. The Marnoo area managed to miss the rain last weekend, up here in Yarrawonga we had 80mm and the paddocks are all saturated with water lying everywhere. Although the harvest has finished here the farmers I have spoken to are a bit nervous that it might get to wet come winter…. Now that would be a turnaround

La Nina here to stay

My favourite markets man Kerry Lonergan from ABC Landline said yesterday that the La Nina could hang around to the end of the year. No wonder my farming mates up this way are nervous about it becoming to wet. We will have to wait and see.

Rodney Rude hits town

I had a call a week or so ago from gun Wallaloo East farmer Rodney “Rude” Reading who said he was going to be here for the big tennis tournament that is taking place this week in Yarrawonga. I have organised for him to take a few of his tennis cronies out on the barby boat. I also caught up with him on Saturday night at the RSL club, we managed to have a frothy or 6 before it was time to go home.

Winebar 2

Also spotted in Yarrawonga over the weekend was Nigel “Winebar” Slee. He was heading to a party at Rutherglen and called in to a Yarrawonga supermarket where we caught up for a chin wag.

MCC on the march to March

Everyone’s favourite club the Marnoo Cricket Club is just a whisker away from making the finals. They are currently in a good position against Charlton and need only 40 runs next week to snatch first innings points. The last game is against Beulah Hopetoun who are holding up the ladder and if they manage to beat them it’s a crack at the finals in March. So go the Noo…..

That’s all for this week

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Welcome again

Hello and welcome to another edition of the Square Leg Files. Well I’m guessing the district dodged a bullet with the rain late last week and over the weekend. Anywhere North of the district had quite a bi of rain, you probably know that Mildura and District had up to 10 inches in the old. Fires in WA, Cyclones in Qld, it has certainly been some sort of summer.

Gilly hits half hundred

This week I did something a little different, I took 3 fellow Yarrawongians to Bendigo to a 20/20 game that boasted names such as Gilchrist, Warne, Taylor, Hughes, O’Donnell etc etc. We were joined by all the male Nisbets, namely John (Fruiterer), Tim (Pie Guts) and Andrew (Upstart), they organised all the tickets which they presold 5000, so the Kangaroo Flat ground was packed. The game started of with Gilly getting bowled in the second over of the night, only for the umpire to call no-ball as Gilly started to trudge off the ground. It was disappointing for the local fast bowler but the quick thinking umpire made the right decision as Gilly went on to slap up a quickfire 50 odd with several towering sixes and really did display how powerful he is.

Rain halts play

Rain disrupted the play at the turn of the innings with an estimated 2 inch deluge, of course that meant that play was over for the evening with many looking forward to witnessing the great Shane Warne send a couple down. At least Gilly entertained us.

Let him in

A bloke at the cricket was telling me that the great Shane Warne pulled up at the gate in his flash black Lexus only to be denied entry by the security guard, now he was one very game cookie making SK park way out with us plebs several streets away……

Cheap tractor for sale

Our sponsor, www.thefarmtrader.com.au has a cheap tractor advertised, it’s an older Case 2094, but it goes like a beauty I’m told and is only $10,000 + GST. Type this link into your browser http://www.thefarmtrader.com.au/classifieds/804-tractors/805-2wd/case-2094 . Also don’t forget to plan for this years cropping season by tendering out your fertiliser, fuel, chemical or seed. We now have a wide range of suppliers that are keen to quote on any of the above requirements. Just join or login and go to the Product Tender page and click on list something……

That’s all from me

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Hello Hello

Welcome to another edition of the Square Leg Files. Last week we could only be found on the blog as the Marnoo Community News didn’t go to print. This week I think we are back in both. Here we go again

On trial

Some of you may have heard this before but I just thought I would revisit because I think it’s funny. You see many years ago a friend of former Marnoo Shopkeeper John “Noisy” Nisbet was given the ultimatum. His wife said to him “it’s either me or the grog, what’s it going to be?” He said, “I’ll give the grog a months trial”

Busking in the street

I have it on good authority that about 2 years ago the combination of Gary “Larry” Cameron and Stewart “Smacka” MacPherson did a busking duo on the streets of Melbourne. Not sure how many $$$ they made but it would have been entertaining.

Harvest winds up

The harvest throughout the area is all but finished after what you would call a long drawn out event. I think most people were reasonably happy with the outcome but I was told that after the last big rain the grain wasn’t much chop. Some Barley was going feed 3 and there is no apparent market for that

Cricket trip

Not sure how many are coming but the MCC cricket trip to Yarrawonga is on. On the agenda is a boat cruise on the lake and a chance to win $2000 in the Yarrawonga Mulwala CC last man standing. It’s on the weekend of the 13^th of March.

More rain on the way they say

As I write this little column it is heading toward 42 degrees but that’s not the main weather item everyone is talking about. Everyone I cross in the street has heard there is another 8 inch deluge coming in February. All I can say is, I hope not because if that happened Charlton would go under for the 4 time in 6 months.

Landline back next weekend

I love nothing better on a Sunday to sit back and watch Landline at 12 noon, but since early December all we have been getting is repeats. Now fair dinkum guys how long do you need off, these guys have more holidays than school teachers. This weekend coming sees the return of Landline and my Sunday routine can get back to some form normality.

A word from the sponsor

Product Tender has just completed approx a $300,000 fencing order, yes that’s around 80km of fencing for one farmer. And I am told they had some ripping quotes. Now that harvest is over for some of you, it’s time to plan for the next cropping season. Everything you purchase for the farm can be put through Product Tender and it’s FREE to use. Just make sure that when you put something on that you are in a buying mood. Just go to www.thefarmtrader.com.au and click on PRODUCT TENDER and then LIST SOMETHING. Remember firstly you have to join the website.

That will do

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Welcome again

Another weekend just flies on by, they seem to go very quickly when you jam so many things in. However I love my job so I am happy when Monday comes around. So welcome to this weeks SLF and I am informed that this weeks “files” are not going to print so you will only exclusively view them on the blog. Well here we go….

Washup of the floods

I was back in the area last week albeit briefly and there has been some damage done to the local roads in the area. But we have to consider ourselves lucky as I went through Bridgewater, Charlton & Donald last week. Boy Charlton looks like a bomb had hit it. And what about the farmland around Serpentine, fair dinkum it will take ages for the water to dissipate on that flat country. It really is devastating for farmers in the flood hit areas. Check out this http://www.thefarmtrader.com.au/articles/flooded-central-western-victoria

Harvest drawn out

Just thinking then about how long the harvest has been drawn out this year, with many still not finished. It reminded my of the late Alan “Dumb Bastard” Marshall who used to harvest the oats in about March and auger them straight into the combine from the header and start sowing them. Now that was efficiency.

Buy your next ute or car on Product Tender

Our sponsor “Product Tender” just did a ripping deal on a ute last week. The farmer got 9 separate quotes and there was about $3500 difference in the highest or lowest quote. Just sign in or join then go to the PRODUCT TENDER page and click on LIST SOMETHING. That’s all you do www.thefarmtrader.com.au

Mooned

I reckon I saw something rare the other morning. As the sun was going up the very full moon was going down.

In China they let it rain - WTF

Talking to my old mate Ross “AR” Loats the other day at a fuel station at Donald and we were talking about the floods and he said “we just have to do what the Chinese do when it rains, They let it rain”. Then he starts laughing and so do I because I have absolutely no idea what it was all about….

Hot bed

Talking about Ross Loats, my Yarrawonga mate Dwain “Daryl” Duxson was telling me he used to turn Loat’s electric blanket on 3 at Bendigo Country week cricket and the old fella used to wake up in a sweat. For those that know Bendigo Country week is in early Feb and the weather is usually a scorcher, certainly not electric blanket weather. When Duxson stopped going to country week Hayden “Howard” McLennan then took over this very important role. Poor old Ross

See yu

Proudly bought to you by www.thefarmtrader.com.au

Welcome again
Another weekend just flies on by, they seem to go very quickly when you jam so many things in. However I love my job so I am happy when Monday comes around. So welcome to this weeks SLF and I am informed that this weeks “files” are not going to print so you will only exclusively view them on the blog. Well here we go….

Washup of the floods
I was back in the area last week albeit briefly and there has been some damage done to the local roads in the area. But we have to consider ourselves lucky as I went through Bridgewater, Charlton & Donald last week. Boy Charlton looks like a bomb had hit it. And what about the farmland around Serpentine, fair dinkum it will take ages for the water to dissipate on that flat country. It really is devastating for farmers in the flood hit areas. Check out this http://www.thefarmtrader.com.au/articles/flooded-central-western-victoria

Harvest drawn out
Just thinking then about how long the harvest has been drawn out this year, with many still not finished. It reminded my of the late Alan “Dumb Bastard” Marshall who used to harvest the oats in about March and auger them straight into the combine from the header and start sowing them. Now that was efficiency.

Buy your next ute or car on Product Tender
Our sponsor “Product Tender” just did a ripping deal on a ute last week. The farmer got 9 separate quotes and there was about $3500 difference in the highest or lowest quote. Just sign in or join then go to the PRODUCT TENDER page and click on LIST SOMETHING. That’s all you do www.thefarmtrader.com.au

Mooned
I reckon I saw something rare the other morning. As the sun was going up the very full moon was going down.

In China they let it rain - WTF
Talking to my old mate Ross “AR” Loats the other day at a fuel station at Donald and we were talking about the floods and he said “we just have to do what the Chinese do when it rains, They let it rain”. Then he starts laughing and so do I because I have absolutely no idea what it was all about….

Hot bed
Talking about Ross Loats, my Yarrawonga mate Dwain “Daryl” Duxson was telling me he used to turn Loat’s electric blanket on 3 at Bendigo Country week cricket and the old fella used to wake up in a sweat. For those that know Bendigo Country week is in early Feb and the weather is usually a scorcher, certainly not electric blanket weather. When Duxson stopped going to country week Hayden “Howard” McLennan then took over this very important role. Poor old Ross

See yu

Proudly bought to you by www.thefarmtrader.com.au

Welcome again

Well what an amazing week it’s been. Unprecedented flooding and rain throughout the district with some people getting up to 10 inches over a 4 day period. The older guys are saying they have never seen a flood and rain event like it before.

Focus on the farm as well

The focus has been well and truly on the 30 odd towns effected by flooding but we need to spare a thought for the farmers and farms that have been flooded. I know this will be a devastating blow for many farmers, especially along flooded creek and river flats. Fences, stocks, crops, pastures, farm houses, sheds, vehicles and machinery have all been affected. And worst of all a lot of insurance policies wont cover many of the above-mentioned items.

Humour amongst the devastation

Our very own Stewart “Smacka” MacPherson has been doing it tough on his farm which is split by the Dunmunkle Creek. I’m pretty sure a big part of his farm was flooded and the surrounds of his house up to the floorboard but luckily not over them. I had to laugh when he wrote on Facebook “sorry guys for not getting back to you so soon, been wrestling with mother nature the cranky old bitch”

Jacks back, not really he didn’t really go anywhere

Listening to the Country Hour today on the ABC and who do I hear, our very own John “Jack” Cameron and let me tell you he didn’t let the punters down. He was telling it like it is as per usual about the floods and rain but he relayed to about 100,000 rural listeners that his biggest fear is now a fire for the area. The reporter was a bit taken aback with this and asked why? Jack said “one would get going now and we wouldn’t stop because all the fire trucks would get bogged, so we would have to run out with wet hessian bags like we used to 50 years ago to stop it”. That last bit was classic “Jack” and I’m not sure what the reporter was thinking after that statement. In times of crisis Jack will keep us entertained.

Is Don is good

Banyena Guru Don McAllister was the following act to Jack cameo on the Country Hour and again told it like it is or was. He had a massive floods go over his property and has lost a lot of fencing. No holidays this year Don said, “we will have to stay home fencing”

That’s it

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Welcome to 2011

You have to be excited with the arrival of 2011, things are looking up for the district which has suffered the last 10+ years under the prolonged drought and 2010 was the first year out of that predicament. Let’s hope we can string at least 5 debt busting years together for the good of everyone in the community.

Will the Square Leg Files continue……

I mentioned before the Christmas/New year break that it was up in the air as to whether I would continue to write this column, well I am still not sure, so I may as well keep going in the short term and see how it goes. Hey somebody else might want to do it??????

Cricket trip planned

I caught up with my old Marnoo buddy John “Noisy” Nisbet and his lovely wife Joy “Joybells” over the weekend and we have planned the MCC end of year cricket trip. Former Marnooian Dwain “Daryl” Duxson and a few other likely types have invested in a barby boat and it’s a great day out enjoying a beer or two and just cruising around Lake Mulwala. So we are organising for the MCC players to join in an aquatic weekend on the long weekend in March (12, 13, 14). Should be plenty of stories come out of that one if it happens.

Rain this week

At the time of writing the forecast is for rain and plenty of it. I know that most people in the district haven’t finished harvest yet so it’s not welcome. But by the time Friday comes around they are talking up to 200mm in some places. They believe that all this rainfall that we are experiences is the rare combination of La Nina and the Indian (or Pacific????) Ocean dipole.

Batyo Catyo a winner

I have heard that the great lake has been a real winner this Summer even through the Summer hasn’t really been Summer as such. I’m told that a few people are starting to camp out there and once harvest finishes we will see more and more people frequent the place.

Christmas eve in the park

I managed to get to the Christmas eve in the park show that was organised by the Navy Blue Supporters Group and being removed from the district on a day to day basis meant that there were some new faces that I didn’t really know. I’m told the school is going to receive a shot in the arm with at least 6 new students this year.

Product Tender – Now that’s buying power – A word from the sponsor

Once harvest has finished it’s time for the farmers to take a break and after that it’s time to start focussing on the new season ahead. Product Tender has now done in-excess of 100 deal for farmers all over the country and if you are serious about saving money on all your farm inputs then you need to start using it. So don’t complain about the price of inputs when you can go part of the way to doing something about it. So join or login with your email address and password and click on the PRODUCT TENDER page and then click on LIST SOMETHING and you are away. Remember to add as much detail as possible and you must be in a buying mood. Remember it’s your money JACK………

Talk next week