Australia’s second largest sheep saleyard near Forbes has had its new extension formerly opened by NSW Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson.

Ms Hodgkinson opened the new addition to the sheep yards at the Central West Livestock Exchange near Forbes yesterday.

The $230,000 investment by the Forbes Shire Council boosted the saleyard’s capacity by 30,000 sheep to 70,000.

More storage for sheep and lambs after sales

The expansion allows for storage of stock after sale prior to delivery to buyers, enabling more efficient movement of stock within the selling yards, Ms Hodgkinson said.

“The facility – which is Australia’s second largest for sheep sales – will now be able to accommodate higher volumes and cope with recent demand.

“The extensions have further cemented this centre as one of the nation’s most advanced auction facilities,” she said.

“The growth of the yards is important for local producers, but also provides additional employment for the broader industry including livestock transporters, stock agents and other staff.”

The Central West Livestock Exchanged opened in 2006 when the new $10.4 million cattle auction facility was completed. The $15 million sheep auction facility was opened in late 2010 and the $1.2 million pig auction facility was completed in April 2012.

Wagga Wagga has the largest throughput

According to Meat and Livestock Australia’s 2013-14 sheep and lamb saleyard survey, Wagga Wagga had the largest throughput, with 1,964,526 head yarded, a 12 percent year-on-year increase. Forbes sold 1,635,790 sheep and and Dubbo yarded 1,588,704 head in 2013-14.

Katanning in WA boasts the largest undercover sheep saleyards in the southern hemisphere, with an annual throughput of about one million sheep, with 1008 selling pens under a roof of more than 44000 square metres. It claims the capability to trade 12 million sheep annually.

Sources: NSW Minister for Primary Industries, MLA