A 13 per cent jump in cattle sold through the Warrnambool saleyards has seen the exchange jump into the top 10 yards in Australia.
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South-West Livestock Exchange superintendent Paul White, who has worked at the facility for 22 years, said he had never seen a better season for south-west farmers.
He said the number of cattle sold for the 2019-20 financial year was also a significant boost for the long-term future of the yards.
"It's very pleasing," he said.
"And we're now up to number 10 in Australia for cattle sold."
Yards at Roma in Queensland regularly top the list with figures of more than 300,000 cattle.
Cattle sold at Warrnambool jumped 10,411 to 78,448 for the 2019/20 financial year compared with 68,037 for the previous financial year.
"It's a significant difference. We have terrific support from our local agents," Mr White said.
"Online bidding may also have helped a bit more on the buying side.
"Certainly we have vendor satisfaction, and it's great to see buyers bidding online."
Mr White said it was hoped that Warrnambool City Council would continue to invest in the SWLX, on the back of $967,000 to roof yards over the south-west section of the existing complex.
He said the roof, lighting, drainage and sawdust/wood chips were part of the investment which now covers about 40 pens.
"I can now certainly see light at the end of the tunnel," Mr White said.
"There's no doubt we have challenges ahead but economic studies have surprised even me with how much of a flow on impact the SWLX has on the Warrnambool business community."
Warrnambool Stock Agents Association president Jack Kelly said the outstanding season helped all sectors of the farming community.
"We are very fortunate that this area is well stocked, unlike many other areas of Australia which have suffered through drought," he said.
"We're very fortunate that this area has consistent rainfall, that does help."
Mr Kelly said it was hoped that some of the larger pens currently under the new roof could be split to lift the number of yards undercover to about 50.
"The new roof has been a huge benefit, for both the stock and the people attending the sales," he said.
"It's great to see Warrnambool rated as number 10 for cattle saleyards in Australia.
"That's a significant achievement, especially considering that more than seven percent of all cattle sold in Victoria go through the Warrnambool yards."
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