Around $150 million or more changes hands at the Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange (NRLE) each year from sales of 85,000 cattle and 500,000 sheep.

And now Naracoorte can boast it has one of the nation’s top 10 saleyard canteens as well as the largest saleyard facility for cattle and sheep in South Australia.

Owned and operated by the Naracoorte Lucindale Council, the livestock exchange was built in 1973. It is understood to be the council’s only self-funded entity.

The district’s farmers and beyond, pay for it via yard fees and council rates.

With agriculture underpinning Naracoorte’s economy, the saleyard complex is currently being independently valued and remains a vital icon for the district.

Every Tuesday, more than 100 people attend prime cattle and sheep markets at the site. Even more go to the fortnightly store markets.

Additionally, up to 500 people attend the special feature sales such as annual First-Cross Ewe sales, the Naracoorte combined agents’ female sales, and each of the special weaner sales.

A dedicated board sits behind the saleyards which manages its finances: Cr Cameron Grundy (presiding chair, farmer, rural real estate agent), Richard James (former NRLE manager for 40 years), Cr Andrew Downward (butcher), Cr Peter Ireland (farmer), Toby Robinson (farmer), and mayor Patrick Ross (farmer).

Council staff who attend NRLE meetings include CEO Kelly Westell, manager finance and corporate, Alex Edmonds, as well as NRLE staff – manager Dianne Evans and NRLE coordinator Natalie McRostie.

The state government’s mandatory sheep eID scheme formed a major part of a $1.2m upgrade at the NRLE this financial year. Cr Cameron Grundy said it had been completed and was now working well.

He explained other improvements with funds allocated this financial year including bull pens and a refurbishment of the timber sheep selling pens as well as the auctioneers’ walkways and yard lighting automation.

“We remain South Australia’s largest livestock selling facility, which is self-funded,” Cr Grundy said.

“The saleyards offer a great (advantage) to the Naracoorte Lucindale community with the economic multiplier effect which directly or indirectly benefits all members of the community. We (NRLE) continue to be recognised as a preferred selling centre for cattle and sheep.”

For cattle, he said there was soft flooring and a roof over the complex, attracting both vendors and buyers.

Additionally, sheep and lambs continued to break price records, particularly during prime lamb sales and breeding ewe sales.

Cr Grundy said those record-breaking sales occurred last spring, during October and November 2025.

One record breaking sale last November included first cross ewes from Meningie which fetched $540 per head and went to a local Naracoorte buyer, while locals of Deepwater Trust also cracked more than $500 for a pen of ewes which headed north to Roseworthy.

“Store lambs are selling at historically high rates, and we would think that that’s probably in anticipation of strong winter prices (ahead) for heavy prime lambs,” Cr Grundy said.

He said the open cry auction system at the saleyards was the basis of setting values for all grades of livestock “including over the hooks and Auctions Plus”.

“It’s an industry accepted standard of what current prices or values are for all classes of livestock,” said Cr Grundy, adding the outlook for lamb, mutton, and beef was positive.

Before, during, and after the various markets, the canteen was always friendly and welcoming for the many people directly and indirectly reliant on the livestock industry. Farmers, buyers, vendors, agents, truckies, drovers, council employees, department personnel, and interested parties who attend the sales usually visit the canteen for something to eat and drink as well as chat and catch up with industry mates.

The canteen and its good food and service help to cement the NRLE as the region’s centre-point for agriculture, wellbeing, and connection.

Following a nation-wide vote, the canteen was announced by Saleyards Australia as one of the top 10 in Australia.

In January, Saleyards Australia also featured the NRLE in its national newsletter, highlighting the importance of SA’s largest saleyard facility.

Mayor Patrick Ross said the NRLE continued to be one the district’s most significant economic assets.

“It plays a pivotal role in supporting our farmers, agents, transport operators, and the many local businesses that rely on a strong livestock industry,” Mr Ross said.

“Our saleyards connect primary producers with national markets, helping to ensure local livestock achieves fair value while strengthening the broader supply chain. Their ongoing performance reflects the professionalism and dedication of our rural community.”

Mr Ross said that beyond the economic contribution, the saleyards were a hub of knowledge-sharing and connection.

“They bring people together, support regional employment, and reinforce our position as a key livestock centre in South Australia,” he said.

“Council remains committed to maintaining a safe, efficient, and modern facility that supports the long-term future of agriculture in our region.

“The success of the saleyards is a success shared by our entire community.”

This article appeared in The Naracoorte News, 18 February 2026.