Finley cattle sales back on

“We are hoping to, yes. It will depend on the delivery of resources and the weather holding to a large extent,” she said.

Livestock agents, transport operators and farmers are also hoping the cattle sales resume, after the suspension last month due to safety concerns.

Berrigan Shire Council will discuss the findings of a Work Health and Safety audit conducted at the yards at their next monthly meeting.

The Southern Riverina News understands the findings were shared with saleyards’ stakeholders last week before a decision was made to reopen the yards.

“Berrigan Shire Council understands the importance of the Finley Saleyards facility to the community,” mayor Cr Matthew Hannan said.

“To that end we are working as quickly and diligently as possible to address any issues that the report may raise.”

Finley’s saleyards are operated by Scanclear, the same operators of Deniliquin’s yards where cattle sales have not been held for several years.

Deniliquin’s cattle yards are currently unusable with Edward River Council voting to close the cattle yards in 2022 rather than upgrade.

Berrigan Shire Council is however committed to improving the Finley saleyards and open to either selling or leasing the yards.

On March 1 this year, Berrigan Shire Council held a special meeting to vote on calling for proposals for the Finley saleyards.

Council has spent over $563,000 on improvements at the Finley saleyards, part of a proposed a $1 million upgrade announced by council in 2020.

It included replacing overhead power lines on Hamilton St with underground connections, renovating two cattle forcing yards, ramp nibs and three sheep ramps that can be seen on the Dales Road side.

Finley’s cattle yards have a capacity to yard up to 3000 cattle, however sales in recent years have averaged less than 400 per fortnight according to livestock agents.

Should the cattle yards be ready, Finley livestock agents will host the cattle sale on Wednesday, June 28.