EDITORIAL: New saleyard site a winner
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
FARMERS and those in the cattle industry have largely welcomed the new saleyards built at Barnawartha North.
Hundreds of people gathered on Saturday to tour the new centre ahead of an opening in February.
Walter Paton, 89, said the exchange was “state of the art”.
“It’s very good,” he said.
“Cattle don’t like steel — wood is much better — but you’ve got to put up with it.
“They’re the best saleyards I’ve seen.”
Castle Creek farmer John Reale said the roof and soft flooring would be positive.
“The old saleyards were more convenient, but that’s just because of where we live,” he said.
Terry Darmody, of Leneva, said the extra 10 minutes travel time wouldn’t make much difference.
“It looks good, but time will prove how good it is,” he said.
“We’ll get used to it.”
Richard Odewahn, who farmed cattle for 50 years but is now retired, said he would need to see the new centre in operation before it could be judged.
One person who would not give a name said it was the “biggest mistake Wodonga’s ever made”.
Regional Livestock Exchange general manager Paul Brown said most farmers were positive.
“There will be supporters and there will be naysayers,” he said.
“That’s only natural, it’s a significant change.
“In February this was only a paddock, now it’s an outstanding facility.”
Mr Brown said the yards were smaller than those at Bandiana, but said that was due to increased efficiency in operations.
“Our whole purpose in life is to maintain animals in their best condition and sell them at the best possible price,” he said.
“The way you do that is you get them in quickly and get them out quickly.
“While they’re here they’re as comfortable as they possibly can be.”