New Smithton saleyard exceeds expectations for North-West agriculture industry

A group of industry representatives has banded together to create a new saleyard following the closure of Quoiba.

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A NEW saleyard in the state’s North-West has exceeded expectations.

On Monday the first Smithton stock sale took place following the closure of the historic Quoiba saleyards in June.

The closure created difficulties for the region’s agriculture industry, spurring community members into action.

North-West Community Saleyard Committee chairman Michael Badcock said the discontent in the region inspired a group of industry representatives to get together to see if they could reboot a sale.

Farmer Michael Badcock of Forth

“We’ve done an arrangement with a disused sale yard at Smithton, and we’re doing a six month trail to gauge interest.

He said the day had been a massive success.

“There were about 500 cattle, about 350 people, and very good prices,” he said.

“There was a lot of interest and a lot of demand. Also a lot of excitement.

“If it works we’ll be looking at developing a saleyard in the Devonport and Burnie area, open to all sorts of animals.

Quoiba saleyards.

“That sale ard would work in conjunction with the Smithton yard.”

He said this saleyard was exactly what the public had been calling out for.

“The committee has been together for nine weeks and we’ve managed to do this,” he said.

A second sale is set to take place next week. Sales are then expected to take place fortnightly, then by demand.

Thousands were also donated to charity thanks to a huge donation.

“One kind farmer donated a beast to the raffle,” Mr Badcock said.

“It was sold for $4600 and the funds went to the Naked Farmer and to the Smithton Men’s Shed.

“That showed a lot of heart.”

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