Exchange hits new sheep high

Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange leaders have celebrated the sale of the centre’s 10-millionth sheep, in less than two decades.

Sheep and lambs have been sold at the Burnt Creek saleyards every Wednesday since opening in December, 1999.

The 10-million sales comprised about 60 percent lambs and 40 percent sheep.

Record lamb prices have resulted in 79,000 sheep through the pens in the new financial year.

The exchange’s busiest ever period was from 2008-09, with 627,874 head sold.

Advisory board chairman, Horsham councillor David Grimble, said sheep numbers had been strong for this time of the year.

“We had the second-best July on record and prices for stock are constantly breaking records with quality stock consigned to the facility,” he said.

“Most recently a pen of lambs sold to a top of $270 a head, which is a fantastic result for the vendor and a boost for confidence in the livestock industry, including our saleyards as a viable selling option.”

The Horsham exchange is Victoria’s fourth-largest sheep and lamb market.

It is the Wimmera’s major livestock selling centre, attracting vendors from as far afield as the South Australian border and southern New South Wales.

“Saleyards are the true market indicator and they will always have a role to play,” Cr Grimble said.

“We know clearly that saleyards are under constant pressure through other marketing opportunities, but there will always be a role for saleyards and for Horsham because of the nature of the stock going through the facility.

“It’s important to meet the market’s expectations – and reputation is a critical part of maintaining our status as the fourth-largest livestock facility in the state.”

Mayor Pam Clarke said the saleyards were a strong economic driver for the region.

“We have listed a roof for the facility as one of seven key advocacy priorities ahead of the State Election,” she said.

“This will provide significant benefits including better conditions for livestock and staff, reduced cleaning costs, improved lighting and it will also allow a massive amount of water to be captured and re-used.”

The roof proposal is part of a master plan the council adopted in May this year.