The Waimea Saleyards in Brightwater are being improved and upgraded in time for the big autumn calf sales, and the project looks set to be on target, despite the heavy rains.
In addition to the recently added double deck cattle ramp, and improved sheep ramp, the old wooden yards and gravel surface, which were originally built in the goat era and designed with goats in mind, have been removed. Last week a new concrete pad was laid in preparation for the erection of the hot dipped, galvanised, high tensile steel railings from the Auckland engineering company Te Pari Products Ltd.
Their modular construction using permanent materials is factory made and assembled on site, leading to significant cost efficiency, according to saleyards caretaker of more than ten years, Ross Stratford. "It won't increase capacity as we are only replacing, but it will become the prime selling area for the yards as it be the best presentation area we've had. Timber yards limited the visibility of the buyers, and if you want to sell a product you want it to be seen."
Each pen in the new facility will have water, important particularly during February sale days that can be hard on stock, especially young ones Ross explained.
In addition, cattle arriving from more remote can be held in six deer fenced holding paddocks that have recently been installed. "Water and good fences are required for the security and welfare of the animals."
Although the rural sector in the Nelson region has shrunk back from what it used to be, the Brightwater saleyards have continued to attract reasonably large numbers of stock according to Ross, and what the directors have done is make the commitment to its continued success. "We want to get the best price for the vendor and good stock welfare."
