FIVE local agents have taken over the lease of Narromine saleyards.
Narromine Associated Agents conducted their first sale last Wednesday, the monthly Narromine special store sheep sale which yarded 10,000 quality sheep and sold to a strong market to restockers from throughout the state.
The lease which began last December, is the conclusion of negotiations with Narromine Shire Council and the formation of the association.
It is for 12 months with a review afterwards.
Council general manager, Jane Redden, said following a review of the yards last year a workshop was held with agents in March 2016 to discuss options for its future operation.
“Subsequently a report was presented to council which resolved that council accept an offer of $20,000 plus GST per annum for lease of one year,” Mr Redden said.
As it took some time for the association for form, the lease was signed to begin last December.
The five agents who formed the association include Landmark Wilson Russ with representive, Ashleigh McGilchrist the chairman; Christie and Hood; Hartin Schute Bell; and Trangie agents Andrew Peadon and Peter Cruickshank.
Mr McGilchrist said the lease quaffs any rumours and secures the saleyards for future sales.
“They are now our responsibility to ensure the viability and longevity of this important sales venue including all maintenance,” he said.
“We have a lot of enthusiasm from the agents and vendors who have supported these yards for generations.
“It’s a great time to be involved in the marketing of sheep as lambs and older sheep are selling at tremendous prices at present.
“I believe this is the optimum time for us to take control of our saleyards to ensure strong competition in the market place as these yards have traditionally done.
Agent member, Andrew Peadon said the decision was taken bearing in mind there was a lot of pressure on producers to sell online.
“But we felt a need to keep these yards going for producers who like to sell through the saleyard system and for the sake of the shire and all business houses as this sale does bring a lot of money into the local economy,” he said.
“We had to keep this (saleyards) going at all cost and not see it fold.”
