BY SAM OSBORNE, RAMHP COORDINATOR
The sound of bellowing cattle in the yards, the rattling gates, the smell of manure, the atmosphere of anticipation from buyers and sellers, the mustering before a sale with the beloved Kelpie dogs eager to help, the auctioneer’s skill and command of the day. These are all just a few of my favourite memories of cattle saleyards.
I’m a 3rd generation beef farmer from the North Coast of NSW and a RAMHP Coordinator based in Grafton.
Saleyards have always been a place of excitement, but they have also gifted me with a sense of comfort and belonging. I think it’s the familiarity and years of saleyard memories that ground me, and in a way, cattle saleyards kind of feel like ‘I’m home’.
Whenever I have felt a little lonely or overwhelmed, I have put on my boots and taken myself to the saleyards. Some years ago, I remember taking my 3-year-old daughter and my (8 months and stressed) pregnant self to the saleyards. It was the best therapy ever. I was welcomed by all, from the canteen staff to the stock and station agents, to the cattle carters and the farmers. No judgement there as I leaned over the yards, talking prices, breeds, sharing stories. Just a great bunch of people who were pleased to see me and offer gems of support and wisdom.
Saleyards are a trading centre. They are of course about economics and market, but they are so much more in our rural and regional towns. Saleyards are a unique space that provides communities with opportunities for regular social connection, an avenue to share knowledge and skill and to build lifelong friendships. My father and I are so grateful to our mates from our ‘saleyard family’ during drought, bushfires and floods.
We have recently sold the farm, as dad is 87 years old and decided it was time to downsize and place his physical and mental health as top priorities. We have had some unbelievably hard and heartbreaking decisions to make, but our ‘saleyard family’ have continued to support us through the tough and the good times.
Although we may not be running a cattle property now, I know that the saleyards will still be a permanent fixture in our monthly routine… because… it’s home. I will certainly have to remember that we are now spectators, here to share knowledge and enjoy the social outing – no bidding Dad!
The saleyards are a great place to start conversations about mental and physical health. Look out for your local RAMHP Coordinator at your next sale.