State funds show’s stock yards

BALLARAT Agricultural and Pastoral Society have received a grant from the State Government to purchase new portable stock yards for event use.

BAPS president Rick Smith said the holding pens worth about $7500, which include a ramp, are “state-of-the-art” in livestock handling.

“They’ve got man safety gates so that people can get out of the yards quickly if need be, and they’ve got ramps and platforms at the top, so you can go right up and walk beside the livestock,” he said.

“They’re much safer and easier to use for moving livestock.”

Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas Visited the Ballarat Showgrounds last week to meet with the BAPS, and check out the plans for their new showgrounds at Mount Rowan, where site works will soon get underway.

She’s looking forward to a fantastic 2022 agricultural show season, following the cancellation of many shows and field days over the last two years.

“People across rural and regional communities cannot wait to get back out at the show. It’s a great way to connect with one another and the local community,” she said.

“Most importantly, it’s a way for families and community members to meet with our primary producers, to understand where our food comes from, and grow that appreciation and understanding of our terrific agricultural sector.”

The 40-acre Mount Rowan Showgrounds will open within the next two to three years, and the portable cattle yards BAPS is purchasing with the grant will be used there, as well as at the Ballarat facility.

“At the moment, we’re designing buildings at Mount Rowan, so it’s happening,” Mr Smith said.

Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle said the grants for agricultural societies are one of the ways the State Government is supporting farming communities in their resilience post-pandemic restrictions.