CASTERTON Saleyards has maintained its title as one of the region’s premier selling centres following a record-breaking summer selling season.
More than 6100 cattle were sold over three sales in the first week of January in Casterton, amounting to $8.8m of total gross cattle sold.
This figure has put Casterton as the third highest selling centre across Victoria for 2021, with total gross sales 90pc higher than other large regional cities such as Colac and Wangaratta.
Furthermore, record breaking averages were also recorded across the January sales, with prices up $550 to $700 on average from 2020.
Casterton Saleyards manager Dean Munro applauded the results, citing 2021 as one of the strongest starts to the new year the saleyards had ever recorded.
“These excellent results are testament to ongoing favorable conditions for our south-west farmers, with higher than average summer rainfalls, and the dedicated selling agents who go above and beyond to make the Casterton Saleyards a premier selling centre,” he said.
“The record success of 2021 also continues the long-term tradition of some of the highest prices achieved across the region, with buyers recognizing the quality by securing some of the most sought after and best bred livestock in Australia.”
Mr Munro said the success of the January sales extended far beyond the farming community, with the financial impacts felt throughout the council area.
“The benefits of these yards extend well beyond the selling gate,” Mr Munro said.
“We know that on these record-breaking selling days CBD businesses become a hive of activity, with people grabbing supplies or stopping for a bite to eat, supporting our local traders and maintaining local jobs.
“The saleyards continue to go from strength to strength and demonstrate their financial importance to the local economy, with 2021 no exception.”
