By Tim Delaney, MLA Cattle: LWB 19 – LWY 199 – LWC 52 – OAY 0 Cattle numbers decreased to 270 after which was 109 head less on last week. Quality was mixed for the regular group of buyers with not all operating fully during the market. The offering did suit the feeders, processors and restockers as they were all active in places. Grown heifers averaged from unchanged to 6c/kg dearer, cows were firm and the bulls sold unchanged although reaching a top price of 240c/kg. Prices did fluctuate for the younger cattle depending on the quality with some sales 5c to 7c/kg either side of firm. Well presented yearling steers and heifers reached the market top of 370c/kg as the plainer younger cattle again sold cheaper. The yarding consisted of 19 bulls, 199 trade run and 52 cows. Young steer vealers sold from 324c to 331c and the heifer […]

By Kristin Murdock The Millicent Saleyards will close at the end of the month after declining sales over a number of years. Reports say competition from online and other nearby saleyards are behind the closure. Wattle Range Council voted at a recent meeting to end cattle sales at the facility by June 30 after a motion to recommence spending to improve safety standards at the facility, expected to cost about $1 million, was defeated. Public consultation surveys were considered and showed 52 per cent of 257 respondents wanted the saleyards to stay open. Earlier this year, only 73 cattle were auctioned at one sale at Millicent and in total, fewer than 4,500 head of cattle had gone through the saleyards in the past 12 months. The upgrading of larger saleyards such as Naracoorte and Mount Gambier, as well as increasing online sales were also a factor. Previously, council had received […]