The recent closure of the Pakenham Saleyards and the changing of sale days at Leongatha has forced the Bairnsdale Stock Agents Association (BSAA) to look at alternative days to hold cattle sales in Bairnsdale.
Nutrien East Gippsland Livestock’s Brad Obst said in order not to clash with other selling centres, and in consultation with the buyers, it had been decided the Prime Sale would be moved to Wednesday at 8.30am on a weekly basis at the East Gippsland Live-stock Exchange (EGLE).
“The Sale Stock Agents have been invited to conduct their Prime Sale on Wednesdays as well, commencing after Bairnsdale at about 12pm,” Mr Obst said.
He said the move was endorsed by the buying fraternity and had added buying strength to both markets.
The EGLE will also move to a post-sale weighing format for the Prime Sale, bringing the Bairnsdale yards into line with other selling centres, which in turn makes it necessary to introduce a curfew of 8pm on Tuesday evenings.
“The post sale weighing takes a whole movement of stock out of the process and streamlines the sale day operation,” Mr Obst said.
“Store sales will continue to be conducted on a pre-weigh basis with weights displayed but being sold on a per head basis.
“Vendors are reminded it is a legislative requirement that a current LPA National Vendor Declaration accompany all stock to the saleyards in order to be sold.”
In Sale at the Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange from July, the weekly Prime cattle sale will take place every Wednesday; the fortnightly sheep sale every second Monday at 12.30pm; and the cattle store sale will run every first Friday of the month at 9am.
Elders selling agent, Morgan Davies said the BSAA had not taken the decision lightly.
“The BSAA sees it as the best fit for our vendors and buyers,” he said.
“Cattle sales are an ever-changing landscape, we’re being proactive and giving our vendors the opportunity to sell every week, it also gives the buyers consistency too.”
In Bairnsdale, the EGLE will conduct a sheep sale at 10am every second Monday, prime sales at 8.30am on Wednesdays and store sales every second and fourth Friday of every month starting at the earlier time of 9am.
