Emotional farmers share their thoughts on the early closure of Warrnambool saleyards

‘That’s it for me’: Farmers saddened by sudden closure of Warrnambool saleyards.

Farmers of the southwest have been left disappointed after a decision was made to close the 100-year-old Warrnambool saleyards early, with finals sales made on Wednesday.

At a council meeting on November 7, councillors voted to close down the Warrnambool Livestock Exchange, with an official closing date expected for June 30, 2023.

However, a decision has been made to close the saleyards early by the Warrnambool Stock Agents Association, and farmers understand the reason being was that there was “no point hanging around any longer”.

Killarney farmer of 50 years Daryl Ryan said he was overall very disappointed and said the council had made the wrong decision to close the yards down.

“It’s very sad for the whole community, it’s sort of the way of life and we come here to sit around and chat and it’s good for our mental health,” Mr Ryan said.

He also said council would “most definitely” regret making their decision.

“It’s probably hit me suddenly when that pen of mine got sold and I realised that’s it for me,” Port Fairy farmer Mick Coffey said.

“I know there’s far worse and smaller saleyards still operating in Victoria and this is quite well set up.

Everyone’s very efficient, good management and just a small amount of maintenance, especially when it makes a profit and the money’s there, is what makes it really disappointing about this decision.”

Jim Doukas, Robert McCrabb, Owen O'Keefe, Will Stewart, Kelvin Boyle and David Macdonald reminisce at the saleyards. Picture: Jack Colantuono

Farmers gathered together for one of their last discussions at the saleyards, where many thoughts and feelings were exchanged.

“I don’t think it’s fair that the agents and the farmers now have to pay the price for 30 years of council neglect,” retired agent and farmer Robert McCarbb said.

Mr McCarbb said “118 years of history has been deleted”.

Retired farmer of 74 years David Macdonald said the council meeting in November was “bulldozed through”.

One last special sale will take place at the Warrnambool Livestock Exchange on December 28.