A NEW record was set at the Wagga Livestock Marketing Centre (WLMC) when 6274 head went under the hammer to turn over more than $3.9 million.
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WLMC general manager, Paul Martin said just 23 more cattle were sold compared to the previous record of 6251 set in December 2002.
After a long day livestock agents, vendors, buyers, transporters and saleyard workers concluded the sale at 6.50pm on Monday.
Mr Martin said 1323 lots were sold and resulted in a monetary return of $3,903006.29.
Meanwhile, Wagga City Council deputy mayor and Australian Livestock Markets Association director, Andrew Negline said the sale highlighted the importance of the facility and the impact it has on the livestock industry and local community.
He said it was also important to recognise the improvements made in beef marketing, most particularly the Free Trade Agreement with South Korea which was announced last week.
Mr Negline estimated 30 to 40 per cent of each beef carcase was destined for the Korean market.
From 1999 to 2002 Mr Negline worked for Meat and Livestock Australia as the regional manager in Seoul.
At the time the market for Australian beef was still in its infancy.
“We have come a long way in understanding the market,” Mr Negline said.
He said Australian beef producers would now have a level playing field in the Korean market following the FTA announcements week which would allow for further inroads to be made.