South West saleyards presence supported by WAFarmers, but funding and policy ‘deadlocked’

WAFarmers’ livestock section has reaffirmed its support for the presence of a saleyard in the South West, either in the form of a compliant Boyanup saleyard or new facility in the region.

But livestock section president Geoff Pearson said any advocacy for public funding would not be prioritised unless the State agriculture portfolio experienced a policy position or ministerial leadership change, and “substantial” financial commitment from tentants to the existing or new facility was offered.

“Until one of those conditions is satisfied, the reality is that government discussions on funding have effectively stalled,” he said.

“We have reached a policy and funding deadlock.”

As part of a motion at its 2026 annual general meeting last month, WAFarmers resolved to write in support of the Capel Shire Southwest Agricultural Precinct by requesting State Government funding to enable the purchase of a suitably identified block of land.

Mr Pearson reaffirmed the organisation’s position of the importance of a saleyard presence in the South West, whether it be at Boyanup or at a different location.

“Producers rely on a selling system that provides certainty, throughput, and competition,” he said.

“Until a viable alternative is in place, Boyanup saleyards remain a critical component of that system.”

The Boyanup Saleyards are jointly owned by Elders and Nutrien and operates on land leased by the Shire of Capel from the crown.

The Shire of Capel last year approved a 10-year lease extension for the 61-year-old saleyards’ operation despite none of the planned upgrades completion.

Mr Pearson said Boyanup saleyards would continue to be supported by WAFarmers so long as it could meet operational and welfare standards, and ruled out closing it as the only option.

“This is not a debate about closing yard. It is a question of sequencing and certainty,” he said.

“Should the current saleyards not be able to meet the required compliance levels, then WAFarmers is supportive of the yards being relocated or replaced.

“At the same time, WAFarmers also recognises the potential long-term value of a South West Agricultural Precinct, including the development of a modern replacement facility which may or may not include a saleyard facility.”

Planned upgrades — approved in February 2024 — to the existing saleyards include the installation of a roof over the yard and non slip mats in the pens.

None of the upgrades have been completed yet.

Mr Pearson said the operation of Boyanup saleyard continued to be supported by the farming organisation while a “better long-term” solution was explored, to maintain a saleyard presence in the South West region.

In the page 14 report (Countryman 9/4) it was reported that WA Farmers said the South West Agricultural Precinct had a lot of potential but conversations needed to stop on saleyards and instead turn to value adding to the site. In fact, this was a comment from an audience member.