The Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets (DRLM) has achieved a historic milestone on Thursday, having drawn 13,136 head with the final sale number a yarding of 10,180 cattle.
The achievement highlights the strength of the local livestock industry and the confidence of producers in the marketplace.
Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Josh Black said it has been over 10 years since the livestock markets has been in this position.
“Numbers like this show the strength of our region’s livestock industry and the confidence producers have in Dubbo as a premier selling centre for our region.
“The DRLM plays a vital role in supporting local jobs and injecting millions into our economy and we are proud to see this facility continue to deliver outstanding results for producers and buyers.”
“The numbers have been going from strength to strength over the past few months, so to see a record such as this one is further testament to the work our staff are doing out here,” Clr Black said.
Previously the highest yarding recorded was over 9,000 head of cattle recorded in September 2013.
Elders Agent and Dubbo Stock and Station Agents (DSSA) President Martin Simmons said the dry season and strong markets were driving the numbers.
“There’s a combination of things in play right now. While seasonal conditions are challenging, we’re also seeing some excellent prices in the market.
“Because of this, farmers are making smart decisions and taking advantage of these strong prices rather than facing a tough summer; they have recognised it is an opportune time to sell.
“This market is based around supply and demand and demand has been a strong factor for us for the past 12 months because of the huge sell-off that happened in Victoria and South Australia around two years ago as a result of the ongoing drought in those states,” Mr Simmons said.
One of the benefits of the DRLM in attracting livestock is the location, with the DRLM located in the middle of NSW where the northern and southern areas are competing with each other.
The record yarding underscores the importance of the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets as a major hub for livestock trade in the western region and supporting the ongoing growth of the regional cattle market.