Council has engaged the company Outcross to develop a plan for the Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange that will set out the future direction of the saleyard for the next 10 to 20 years.

Council technical services director John Martin said, in a report to council, that some of the short term issues the plan would address included accommodating electronic sheep ear tags and assessing the need for a roof over the exchange.

“The major development proposed for the livestock exchange is for it to be roofed, which could cost between $1 million and $2 million, depending on the extent of coverage,” he said.

“Most major, and some smaller saleyards across Victoria have now been roofed for a broad range of reasons.”

Mr Martin said reasons included reducing animal stress and enhancing animal welfare, improving the presentation of animals to maximise prices, and improving comfort for participants on sale days. 

He said a roof would also make cleaning more efficient because manure wouldn’t be expose to rain.

“There would be a greater opportunity to reuse rainwater and there is a potential to incorporate solar panels to power nearby businesses,” he said.

Cr David Grimble said the exchange opened in 1999.

“It is time to do a complete review of where the exchange might be in 10 to 20 years time,” he said.

“There are a number of key elements we need to look at, including infrastructure and the justification for funding for a roof over the saleyards.

“We also need an idea on how to manage the new electronic ear tag devices and logistically how it will work in the yard.

“We also have to look at the timing for how we get stock scanned and work out what’s best for the exchange.”

Cr Grimble said stakeholders and board members met last week to discuss the future of the exchange.

“We highlighted the need to maintain weekly markets – if we went back to fortnightly sales, it would be to the detriment of the exchange,” he said.

“We also spoke about the frequency of quality stock. 

“We are the fourth largest livestock selling centre in the state and we are known to have some of the best stock in the state.

“We also spoke about the limitations to the way the exchange works, particularly with marketing opportunities.

“Direct selling is our biggest competition, so we need to work out a smart way we can manage that.”

Cr Grimble said the exchange was a key economic driver for the region.

“It is a self-supportive industry and generates its own income,” he said.

“When it comes to have infrastructure needs, we need council to appreciate the value of the exchange.”