A YARDING of close to 5000 head ensured Wangaratta’s first blue ribbon weaner sale on Friday at the upgraded selling centre will go down in the record books.
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Despite Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews being unable to attend the sale for the official opening, the blue ribbon sale marked a red letter day for producers.
"For the local Farmers Federation people and local farmers we fought hard to not only save the yards but to get them redeveloped,” Wangaratta VFF president Greg Mirabella said.
"Now the whole yard is roofed and is very modern, so it is a signature day for us to see all these cattle and people here.”
The Shanley Street redevelopment project cost $3.7 million and has taken 12 months.
“Producers and buyers have had a taste of the redeveloped yards over recent weeks and are telling us they like what they see,” Wangaratta council’s infrastructure services director Alan Clark said.
“The roof keeps things cool and has been designed to allow ventilation, which makes it more pleasant for both cattle and people.”
To mark the special sale a farmers’ market was held at the site, featuring 29 stalls showcasing North East produce.