Taree Saleyards at Taree South have closed, effective immediately.
Owner Greg Mitchell announced the closure on Friday, April 28.
“After an affiliation by the family with the Taree and greater Manning area for in excess of 50 years, and, owning and operating the saleyards for the last 15 years, it is with much regret that today Mr Greg Mitchell has announced that last Monday’s sale was the final one, well certainly under his watch anyway,” a statement issued by Mr Mitchell said.
“Mr Mitchell purchased the business in 2001 with Mr Craig Young who he later bought out. Mr Mitchell then sold the business to Webb Bros under a vendor finance arrangement only to have to buy it back from the liquidator of that company in 2014. This latest upheaval having led to a dwindling of numbers, such that the yards are no longer sustainable.
The statement continued: “It has gotten to a stage where to maintain the yards and comply with EPA laws at the proper operational level is no longer economical given the current numbers coming through each week.
“Coupled with the discounted costs of selling cattle from council run saleyards at Gloucester and Nabiac it is not a level playing field, and hasn’t been for many years. Given the yards are privately run and owned, they cannot be maintained to the required operational level while still being competitive with commission and yard dues.
“For the last six to eight decades the yards have played a dominant role in serving the community with, as Mr Mitchell estimates, hundreds of thousands of cattle passing through the yards over the decades. It also provided a venue for charitable groups to raise funds in the canteen and a place for the local farming community to catch up and spin many a yarn.
“At the end of the day Mr Mitchell has cited insufficient support from the local community and to slow paying customers as the main drivers for the company having to close the doors.
“Having said that, Mr Mitchell is more than happy to speak to any potential new operator and provide such assistance as he is able. He hopes that an operator will be found shortly and that the community supports them.
“Mr Mitchell would also like to pass on his thanks to the members of the community who have continued to support him, and those who have attended to payment on a timely basis. He also wishes to confirm that collections of outstanding payments will continue, and when received, be forwarded to the appropriate vendors.