SELX hosted a sale yard technology open day in late June, with 45 operators travelling from Dubbo, Forbes, Wagga Wagga, Scone and Moss Vale to learn how we are at the forefront of sale yard technology in Australia. Working closely with our technology provider, Outcross, we were able to showcase how SELX is using technology to fast track our processes. From the arrival of stock through to weighing and delivery, we are able to enhance the buyer, producer and agent experience with up to the minute information on livestock.
Johne’s Disease (JD), a fatal wasting disease of cattle, goats, alpaca and deer, is front of mind for many operators at the moment, with new JD biosecurity requirements commencing nationally on 1st October 2017.
The Australian Livestock Markets Association (ALMA) has provided the following advice to sale yard operations from Animal Health Australia (AHA):
JD is usually brought onto a property through introducing animals with the infection. As cattle spend little time at sale yards and don’t graze there, they are a very low risk for the spread of JD, except through purchase of infected animals. A buyer interested in avoiding the introduction of JD should ask the seller for the Johne’s Beef Assurance Score of the beef cattle (or Dairy Score of dairy cattle), as well as other animal health information. This may be available on a Cattle Health Declaration (CHD). Buyers should request a CHD from vendors and ask additional questions to be sure any risks from JD are well understood.
AHA have indicated that due to this very low risk that no additional operational requirements should be required in saleyards to deal with livestock with different JBAS scores. For more information on the new BJD requirements please visit the AHA website (animalhealthaustralia.com.au).
SELX is under one month away from celebrating our 12 months of operating and on behalf of the Board and Staff we would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to all the vendors, buyers, agents and suppliers who have supported us. SELX was a very big dream for six local families and to see this dream become a very successful reality is wonderful for all involved. During the month of August SELX is running a very exciting promotion. For every 100 head of sheep and/or 10 head of cattle sold during August vendors will receive an entry into the draw to win a double pass to a fully catered corporate box at the Wallabies test match in Canberra in September. The more you sell, the more chances you have to win!
Rod Bourlet
Saleyard Manager