Livestock Exchange marks 10 millionth sheep sold

Published on 05 September 2018

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Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange (HRLE) on Wednesday sold its 10 millionth sheep.

Luke Ellis of West Wail’s milestone pen made $256 per head, sold to JBS of Bordertown.

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

The 10 million sales were made up of about 60 per cent lambs and 40 per cent sheep.

Record lamb prices have meant an impressive 79,000 sheep have already been through the pens in the new financial year.

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

Cr David Grimble, the HRLE Advisory Board Chair, 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,” Cr Grimble said.

“Most recently a pen of lambs sold to a top of $270 per 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 Exchange is Victoria's fourth-largest sheep and lamb market and is the major livestock selling centre in the Wimmera, 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 sale yards 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 markets 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,” Cr Clarke 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 adopted by Council in May this year.