Leeton is set to continue to take advantage Griffith saleyards continued growth, as new figures show the yard is ranked sixth in the state.
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Figures from Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) indicate throughput figures for sheep and lambs, which ranks Griffith as the sixth highest sheep consigner in NSW in 2016-17, seeing 515,165 head of sheep through it’s gates.
The saleyards service a large area in the MIA, especially Leeton, Narrandera, Coleambally, Hay, Hillston, Temora, West Wyalong, Lake Cargelligo and towns in between.
Despite Wagga being named the top sheep seller in NSW, pastoralists say that Griffith saleyards provides services at the same level as the state’s stronghold.
Sheep farmer Keith Cowen from Weethalle said even though Wagga offers tight competition with prices, as long as growers and buyers are still coming to Griffith it will continue to do well.
There is great prices at the moment, as well as great demand for lamb and mutton, and Griffith saleyards are up there with the others around the district.
- Sheep farmer Keith Cowen.
“There is great prices at the moment, as well as great demand for lamb and mutton, and Griffith saleyards are up there with the others around the district,” Mr Cowen said.
“I have sold in Wagga before but you have added costs of freight that you have to factor in, and it’s hard to know what the saleyard will be like on the day … but there is the same risk at both.”
Ben Leach, who has been transporting livestock in the MIA for about seven years, says the facilities at the Griffith saleyards are just as good as you’d find anywhere else.
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“Loading wise with ramps and yards, there is no difference between Wagga facilities and Griffith facilities, everything is pretty good, same with the canteen, showers, toilets, all of them of the same standard. Possibly the only difference would be the wash out facilities – Griffith has two bays whereas Wagga has six.”
Inc a comparison across the state, Dubbo saleyard recorded the highest throughput in the state, with 199,431 head yarded over the financial year.
Wagga and CTLX Carcoar saleyards were once again ranked second and third in volume, with numbers reaching around 168,725 head and 129,006 head respectively.
