Farewell to a Stormy Year
Posted: 22nd December 2020
Posted in: Rural, Uncategorized
This time last year I wrote that 2019 was a shit of a year, referring to the drought and fires. It is fair to say that 2020 has produced the most bizarre mix of good and bad.
In January, my wife and I travelled to New Zealand, visiting friends on the Karikari Peninsular. From their holiday hut we looked west to stunning sunsets full of Australian dust and smoke. Our hosts had never seen sunsets like it. I must say I was not terribly proud of our nation’s contribution to the Kiwis’ summer skies. We arrived back home just in time to witness the breaking of the drought, the end of the fires and of course the start of the world-wide lockdown. Later in the year, one of our trading partners added other uncertain dynamics to the overall scheme of things.
2020 has been a stormy year
The effects of all this have been varied. Confidence in rural commodities has been boiling, as has rural property itself. But then comes the pandemic which stuffs up many peoples’ ability and confidence to visit property in our district from interstate. As I write this, I have three parties from Queensland delaying their visit to our area just in case the border restrictions are tightened in light of current events, and they must quarantine on re-entry.
What will 2021 bring? Probably more of the same, at least in the short term. A great season and positive inquiry tempered by potentially challenging logistics for buyers and sellers.
What I do know is, green grass and water help overcome the anxiety fostered by any challenges we face. That, and knowing that we live in a great part of, not only our country but of the world. Who wouldn’t like to live and do business here?
So, here’s to 2021. No matter what it might throw at us, I reckon we are well trained to handle it!
I wish you and your family a safe and Merry Christmas, and a prosperous, healthy New Year.
Best regards,
Graham MacDougall
MacDougall Rural Property
02 6772 4200
Graham MacDougall has a lifetime association with rural property. In addition to over 30 years in the cattle industry, since 2005 he has been specialising in the marketing of commercial agriculture and rural lifestyle properties in northern New South Wales.
