General News
28 January, 2021
Western Victoria Livestock Exchange sees growth
MORTLAKE’S Western Victoria Livestock Exchange (WVLX) is competing with Wodonga for the title of leading store cattle facility in Victoria after less than three years in operation.
MORTLAKE’S Western Victoria Livestock Exchange (WVLX) is competing with Wodonga for the title of leading store cattle facility in Victoria after less than three years in operation.
With an increase in its store cattle throughput of just under 60 per cent in the last calendar year, up to 49,162 cattle in 2020 (from 31,116 in 2019), WVLX manager Wayne Loader said he was thrilled with the numbers coming through the saleyards.
“Our store cattle sales have been gaining momentum since we began three years ago, and I think it’s attributed primarily to our unique soft flooring and our state of the art facility,” he said.
“The cattle are so comfortable and relaxed on sale day and are often found sleeping in the pens, making them fit and ready for long distance transport if required.
“As well as our livestock being comfortable, our large roof keeps agents, buyers and visitors protected from the elements and that makes it a great place to do business.”
The soft flooring used in the pens is a unique blend of wood chips and sawdust and is turned regularly by rotary hoe. It was also completely replaced approximately two months ago as part of the long-term maintenance program.
Along with an increase in store cattle throughput, the facility has seen an overall increase of 55 per cent in the 2020 calendar year to a total of 89,982 cattle, up from 51,932 in the previous calendar year.
Mr Loader said WVLX was drawing cattle from South Australia to Geelong regularly, including the northern regions of Ararat, Ballarat and everywhere in between.
“We’re drawing a good cross section of cattle which is in turn resulting in a large buying group,” he said.
“Along with up to 165 registered buyers at our store sales, we now also have Outcross and AuctionsPlus on the rails bidding on behalf of their hundreds of buyers so competition is fierce.”
Mr Loader said it was not just store sales attracting a strong buying group.
“The more cattle we field, the more buyers we attract with our weekly prime markets regularly hosting 15-30 different buying companies,” he said.
“They’re all active on the rails and that’s because we provide outstanding cattle in a world class facility that is paving the wayin safety.”
On the eve of its third birthday, WVLX is not content to rest on its laurels.
The business is in the process of developing a business park adjacent to the large undercover complex, and also has calf pen selling facilities being drawn up.