THE COVID-19 pandemic may have changed the way cattle sales at the Tamworth saleyards are held, but it has failed to stop one of the region's best fundraisers.
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On Friday, the Tamworth Livestock Selling Agents Association (TLSAA) will host its annual Tag a Calf Sale, which supports the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS).
Sellers can opt to donate the proceeds from the sale of their calves to the help keep the service free for locals.
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TLSAA president John Goudge said the event, which is in its ninth year, was one of the most anticipated sales on the region's calendar.
"Every agency selling out of TRLX is operating under strict conditions," Mr Goudge said.
"There is no public access, but vendors can still sell and producers looking to restock after recent rain, can watch the sale live streamed and still buy through their agent or bid online via stocklive.com.au."
Tamworth Elders stock agent Shane Rule said he was hopeful for a good yarding of calfs for the sale.
"I think it might be a little light on in terms of numbers this year because of the drought," Mr Rule told the Leader.
"However, it is for a really good cause, so hopefully we can see some good numbers there on Friday."
Mr Goudge echoed Mr Rule's sentiments, saying interest in the sale was still high, despite the impact of the drought and coronavirus.
"Obviously we don't expect to yard the big numbers of previous years, but the market is strong and we have some outstanding vendors who have targeted their enterprises towards this feature sale," he said.
"We know it's been incredibly tough for producers and there's a long way to go, but we also know how much the WRHS values this support.
"Whatever people can donate is appreciated - even if it's only part of the proceeds from their sale."
Friday's sale begins at 11am and anyone interested in donating all, or part of the proceeds from the sale of their stock, can contact their agent or the WRHS.
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
