ALMA boost in Top End

The association has gained recognition at all industry levels since becoming a national organisation in 2010 and now has members in all States and territories of Australia except the ACT and Tasmania.

Bohning Yards is owned and operated by the NT Cattlemen’s Association (NTCA).

It’s mostly a cattle sale and spelling centre on 59 hectares of freehold land fronting the Stuart Highway about 25 kilometres south of Alice Springs.

NTCA chief executive Tracey Hayes told delegates at the Australian Livestock Markets Association (ALMA) conference in Cairns, Queensland, last week the Bohning Yards was at the crossroads of many cattle movements across the country.

“The facility boasts industry best, advanced electronic scanning capacity, European Union accreditation and a high level of management capacity to cater for the varied and specialised needs of industry,” she said.

“Operating on a user-pays basis, the NTCA has developed a feed and watering system that assists cattle to quickly recover after mustering and transport.

“Yard centre staff prepare cattle for the next leg of their journey to ensure animals arrive at their ultimate destination in the best possible condition.”

ALMA chairman Steve Loane said a livestock operation in the desert brought another element of diversity to the saleyards sector.

Mr Loane visited the Bohning Yards this year.

He said he was also interested in the training initiatives at Bohning Yards for young indigenous people in the livestock industry.

“I met with the new yards manager, Noel Cuffe, and I witnessed these young men and women put through their paces,” Mr Loane said.

“The NTCA is also heavily involved in training Indonesian livestock operators to help shore up the very important live trade business.”

Full report on the Australian Livestock Markets Association conference in The Land next week.