Griffith has ranked sixth in the state for sheep sales, which has both surprised and pleased industry representatives at the same time.
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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.
Mayor John Dal Broi is exceptionally pleased with the result, crediting quality stock, strong buyers, good facilities and great work by stock and station agents, despite a move some farmers are making away from livestock farming.
“It’s certainly encouraging news that Griffith is the sixth largest sheep selling centre in NSW, particularly in view of the change that is happening in the irrigation area,” Cr Dal Broi said.
"We’ve seen change from farmers running sheep and cattle and moving towards growing more cotton, cereal crops and permanent plantings, so to see the sheep numbers still come in from a wide area reinforces the Griffith City Council’s belief that we are a regional centre providing exceptional services.”
He says stock comes to the saleyards from a large area in the MIA, especially Leeton, Narrandera, Coleambally, Hay, Hillston, Temora, West Wyalong and Lake Cargelligo.
Despite Wagga being named the top sheep seller in NSW, pastoralists say that Griffith 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.
It’s certainly encouraging news that Griffith is the sixth largest sheep selling centre in NSW, particularly in view of the change that is happening in the irrigation area.
- Mayor John Dal Broi
“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.”
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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.
“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.”
The Griffith town’s economy also receives a welcome boost.
“The spin off there is when the farmer comes to town to sell their stock, they come with family, and they do shopping in Griffith so it all adds to the economy and it’s certainly something to be proud of,” Cr Dal Broi said.