VICTORIA’S freezing winter weather today was not enough to chill the excitement of the official Colac saleyard’s new $1million roof opening that coincided with the winter store sale.
Colac Otway Shire mayor Lyn Russell conducted the opening of the construction – a 7300-square-metre roof that is supported by 90 columns and a rain water collection set-up – during the 750 head winter store sale.
“The construction cost just over $1mill, and was completed in less than 12months from go to whoa,” Cr Russell said.
“(The saleyards) bring in $23.3 million into our economy every year; of that $4.75million goes through our traders in town as a flow-on.”
The sale’s small yarding did not deter competition where prices peaked at $805, or 219cents per kilogram, paid for 11 Angus steers weighing 366kg from Yeowarra, Colac which were bought by Hopkins River Beef.
The second highest price paid was $790, or 203c/kg, for a pen of Angus steers weighing 390kg sold by Taralea Pastoral Company’s Neville Harrison, Wingeel.
Mr Harrison also scooped the top price paid at the sale for unjoined females, after he received $595, or 167c/kg, for 12 Angus heifers weighing 353kg which went to Hopkins River Beef.
While heifers were reportedly harder to attract competition, prices still fetched up to $620, or 152c/kg, paid for a pen of Angus Murray Grey cross, weighing 409kg, by Hells Gate.
Cows and calves sold to $1020.
*Full report in next week’s Stock & Land
Annabelle Beale
National Sheep & Wool Writer for Fairfax Agricultural Media
National Sheep & Wool Writer for Fairfax Agricultural Media
