Gabrielle Duykers, Naracoorte Community News

A team of researchers descended upon the Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange last week, as part of a national investigation into the social value of saleyards to rural communities.

The research project was commissioned by the Australian Livestock Markets Association (ALMA) after noticing the need for such a study, with almost all existing research into livestock exchange facilities focusing solely on their economic value.

Principal research consultant Heather Ellis said her visit to the Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange (NRLE) revealed some common social benefits.

“Some of the key things were the sharing of information and the general mateship and camaraderie the locals found by coming together regularly,” Ms Ellis said.

The research project aims to assess what sale days mean to community members, service providers, and saleyard stakeholders.

While originally set to only be carried out across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, the District Council of Grant stepped in and offered to pay for the researchers’ flights to South Australia.

This allowed for data to also be captured in the Limestone Coast, extending the investigation to the Naracoorte, Millicent, and Mount Gambier and Districts saleyards.

A total of 12 sites were visited across the country as part of the project.

Ms Ellis and two other researchers conducted a number of phone interviews with saleyard regulars before visiting the NRLE on Tuesday, November 30, for face-to-face conversations and observations.

“Actually being there physically and connecting, hearing the people, and seeing what’s happened is really important to the integrity of the research,” she said.

“You get a feel for the culture by actually being enmeshed in it.”

Ms Ellis spent the morning speaking to agents, buyers, vendors, staff, and the general public in attendance.

“It was great to see a bit of the banter that goes on,” she said. “And a lot of people shared their stories and gave us an insight into what the social benefits are.”

NRLE manager Rebecca Barry said the site was pleased to be part of the social study.

“As the largest saleyard in South Australia, it was important for our community that we be involved in a project that is being driven through the leading saleyards across the country,” Ms Barry said.

“The NRLE has a significant impact on our local community and the region, offering a meeting place for the agricultural industry and farming communities.

Ms Barry said the saleyards had been of particular value during times of prolonged isolation due to the pandemic.

“COVID-19 has had a huge social impact on rural communities, particularly our nearby Cross Border Community who have struggled with isolation and extended lockdown periods over the past 18 months,” she said.

“Farming is generally an isolated lifestyle, being made up of mostly males and an older age demographic.

“The NRLE offers a regular meeting place for farmers to have social interaction with other like-minded individuals.”

In addition to its role as a social hub, Ms Barry said the NRLE helped people to stay informed and keep up-to-date with the livestock market and stock prices.

ALMA has high hopes for the research project, claiming the data will be a “valuable tool” in working with all levels of government and the livestock industry to shape future policy and funding direction.

The final report will be released in February 2022.

This article appeared in Naracoorte Community News, 8 December 2021.