Having been in the livestock industry, many men of my age are now reaching retirement age. Ken Connell, Elders, Warragul, is one of those making the decision to retire.
I am told that Ken has served the industry for 46 years. Retiring as auctioneer, and livestock manager at Warragul, Ken was part of the Victorian Producers that merged with Elders some decades ago.
Ken has purchased a small farm in the Goulburn Valley, returning to his roots, but he intends to come back now and then.
There are many men within the industry, agents and farmers, who are ageing, some gracefully, some not. No names mentioned.
Many may remember, that in past Prime Talk’s, I have talked about men’s health. So talking about retirement has re-invigorated my thoughts on this topic.
The framing sector is full of men in their sixties, seventies, and older, many still working, especially farmers.
I keep seeing, and hearing of men who have injured themselves, and while this does include a few younger auctioneers of late, many older farmers come to markets with bandages, some including stitches.
Many of these injuries are avoidable with a little more care, but just recently, a close neighbour has had a triple bypass.
He is not young, but the story is, he told me one day how he was away in the back paddock, when he had a lot of pain and tightness in his chest. enough that when he managed to get back to his car, he sat for some time until it cleared.
He then drove himself home. I did mention then that he should have driven straight to hospital. However, a week or two later, he collapsed, at least he was at home, and had the ability to call an ambulance.
Life saved, this farmer is still recovering, but last week, he sold some cattle at Warragul. John Cochran, manager of the Baw Baw Livestock Exchange, rang and said how my neighbour had asked that the proceeds of a beast, $1500, be donated to Ambulance Victoria, Warragul Hospital, and Clayton Health Foundation equally.
There is a lesson there for everyone, especially those of older vintage. Do not avoid your health, and if there are the slightest signs of trouble, please do not ignore it.
Life is too short, and believe it or not, there are others out there that care about you, and family who do want you to stay around.
The best part of the day is waking up in the morning, as the alternative is not good.
