In just under three years, the Western Victoria Livestock Exchange (WVLX) in Mortlake in the race for the title of leading store cattle facility in Victoria.
With an increase of its store cattle throughput of just under 60 per cent in the last calendar year up to 49,162 cattle in 2020 (from 31,116 in 2019), it was a "thrill" to see the numbers coming through, WVLX manager Wayne Loader said.
"Our store cattle sales have been gaining momentum since we began three years ago, and I think it's attributed primarily to our unique soft flooring and our state of the art facility," Mr Loader said.
"The cattle are so comfortable and relaxed on sale day and are often found sleeping in the pens, making them fit and ready for long distance transport if required. As well as our livestock being comfortable, our large roof keeps agents, buyers and visitors protected from the elements and that makes it a great place to do business."
The soft flooring used in the pens is a unique blend of wood chips and sawdust and is turned regularly by rotary hoe. It was also completely replaced about three months ago as part of the long term maintenance program.
Along with an increase in store cattle throughput, the facility saw an overall increase of 55pc in the 2020 calendar year to a total of 89,982 cattle, up from 51,932 in the previous calendar year.
Mr Loader said WVLX was drawing cattle from South Australia to Geelong regularly, including the northern regions and everywhere in between.
"We're drawing a good cross section of cattle which is in turn resulting in a large buying group. Along with up to 165 registered buyers at our store sales, we now also have Outcross and AuctionsPlus on the rails bidding on behalf of their hundreds of buyers so competition is fierce," Mr Loader said.
"And it's not just our store sales that are attracting a strong buying group. The more cattle we field, the more buyers we attract with our weekly prime markets regularly hosting 15-30 different buying companies."
The business was in the process of developing a business park adjacent to the large undercover complex, and also had calf pen selling facilities being drawn up.