LETTER FROM A DESPAIRING WOOLGROWER

摘要

UP AND down the tablelands of eastern Australia and in the south-west corner of Western Australia, farmers are wondering if there is any real economic future for them in the higher-rainfall specialist Merino wool industry. Dear Graham, I sometimes read your column and perhaps you can help. My wife and I and our 29-year-old unmarried son run a 490-hectare property in the cold tablelands area. Unlike many in our district, we have managed to remain virtually debt-free and currently only have a small overdraft. This has been achieved by very frugal living. Obviously, survival at this level comes at a price.