Victorian Livestock Exchange (VLE) has purchased Warragul saleyards from Baw Baw Livestock Exchange (BBLE).
VLE, which also owns Pakenham saleyards, has extensive experience in the industry which will see trading continue at the Warragul yards.
Owner of the Baw Baw Livestock Exchange, Bill Dineen, said that the Victorian Livestock Exchange had approached him a long time ago about purchasing his business, and now they have approached him again, and it was now time for him move on.
It was expected, subject to documents to be signed, that the VLE would lease the Warragul saleyards and starts its operation from July 30.
Wayne Osborne, CEO of the VLE, said the company had purchased the necessary infrastructure to run the business and all staff would be retained.
Saleyard manager, John Cochran, held a meeting of staff and informed them of their position.
About 16 years ago the future of the Saleyards was uncertain after it closed down.
The current owners, Bill and June Dineen were contacted by livestock agents in Warragul to step in to re-open the Warragul yards.
Without any experience in the livestock industry, they successfully managed to complete the soft floor yards and construct new calf pens.
Sales quickly resumed at Warragul securing jobs and providing flow-on benefits into the local area.
BBLE were “humbled” by the suport they had received and thanked the farming community, staff, agents, buyers and livestock transporters.
VLE looked forward to carry on this established rapport with industry stakeholders into the future.
