The school holidays mark the perfect time to take the kids to the cattle sales in Bairnsdale, where a career in agriculture could be in the making.
The saleyards are a hive of activity on sale days with agents and farmers roaming the walkways and auctioneers selling cattle at pace.
At last week’s store sale, Noah and Emmagen Cunning of Heyfield were on hand to watch their poddy-reared Friesian/Angus steers go under the hammer.
Their father, Peter Cunning, said the two raised poddy calves every year.
“It’s their interest and their passion,” he said.
“They raise and sell them every year, the steers they sold were 12 months old.”
The steers made $660 each and while Noah and Emmagen sold four steers, they kept four heifers at home with the idea of possibly breeding from them.
Taking the family to the yards also poses a risk, with all the rain and consequent grass around, the kids may want to make purchases while at the saleyards.
“The saleyards are really good, our kids love going,” Peter said.
“They learn more there than they do at school.
“They wanted to buy the whole lot last week, but they have another 10 young ones they’ve already bought at home to feed.”
Elders auctioneer, Morgan Davies, said it was always great to see kids at the saleyards.
“We encourage people to bring their kids along, the saleyards is an integral part of the agricultural community, there are people there from all walks of life.
“There are always great buying opportunities at the saleyards, and we cater for everyone with large and small lots.”
Store sales at the East Gippsland Livestock Exchange occur on the second and fourth Friday of the month.
