ABOVE: At the NRLX on sale day. Photo: NRLX
It has taken only three years for the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange in Casino to go from number seven to the second spot in the regional livestock markets list.
The 2021-2022 results show the NRLX is just 1150 head behind the Tamworth Regional Livestock Exchange which leapfrogged Dubbo and Wagga who had held the top two spots for several years.
The top five NSW saleyards by number of cattle are:
1 Tamworth Regional Livestock Exchange: 124,863
2 Casino/Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange: 123,713
3 Dubbo Regional Livestock Market: 122,289
4 Wagga Wagga Livestock Marketing Centre: 107,274
5 Carcoar/Central Tablelands Livestock Exchange: 102,770
The NRLX contributed almost 11% of saleyard numbers for the state.
The total value of livestock sold through the NRLX for the 2021-2022 financial year was $210,437,317.88.
This was an increase of almost $70 million on the previous year.
NRLX operations manager Brad Willis said the $15 million facility upgrade was one of many changes made that moved the saleyards towards a sustainable business model.
“Now as the number two saleyard in NSW it shows NRLX is a destination for business and a strategic partner for growing enterprises,” Mr Willis said.
Mr Willis said the NRLX team acknowledged there was devastation for some vendors following the two weather events earlier this year and ongoing rain.
“The facility provided temporary housing and feeding of livestock, and also acted as a distribution centre for donated hay, loading out almost 600 bales,” Mr Willis said.
“The NRLX team assisted with stock consolidation before moving to agistment, using the facility to treat animals or tag prior to going to agistment.
“The facility also housed any livestock which was found and the team liaised with North Coast Local Land Services, Rural Crime and the Department of Primary Industry to return as much livestock as possible to the rightful owners.”
For weekly NRLX cattle sales click the link below.
