Thousands of attendees flock to Broken Hill for the biannual Agfair event, undeterred by soaring fuel prices. South Australian producers invest over $1,000 in fuel for the journey, viewing it as essential for business growth and industry connections after challenging years.
South Australian Producers Push Through High Fuel Expenses
Warren Beattie of Mallee Hill stud in Ceduna, South Australia, drives more than 900 kilometers to showcase his rams. The round trip costs him around $1,000 in fuel, yet he considers it a smart investment.
“I love coming up here; it’s a great atmosphere. I have a couple of clients up here, so it’s great to catch up with them,” Beattie said. “If people are buying our rams, then it is only the right thing to do to come and show them what we have. Obviously, it does add up with the fuel at the moment and the accommodation, but the sheep job is really good at the moment, so hopefully that translates through the year.”
Steve Lawrie and his daughter Emily from Collandra Merinos at Tumby Bay transport 12 rams, departing at 6 a.m. and arriving by 3 p.m. They pack extra fuel this year as a precaution.
“It’s just about trying to get hold of a different market,” Lawrie explained. “Two years ago, we got a lot of interest and managed to pick up a client, and hopefully we can do the same again.”
“Once you start traveling with livestock, you can’t stand still for very long,” he added. “If you happen to come across where you need fuel and the service station is empty, well, you would be in a little bit of strife, so it’s more of a safeguard thing. We also paid a lot cheaper for it than what you’re going to find on the road, so that’s an added bonus.”
Showcasing Genetics and Building Networks
Robert Sullivan, president of Merino SA and owner of Greenfields Stud at Hallett, highlights the event’s value in displaying top South Australian genetics. Many studs sell into western New South Wales, making face-to-face interactions crucial.
“We have some of the best genetics from South Australian studs that a lot of buyers want,” Sullivan said. “We want to be able to meet with our clients and support important events like this one, and it’s a good chance to network with other commercial breeders.”
He emphasizes the importance of in-person inspections over online photos: “It’s super important to be able to display your livestock and for people to be able to put their hands on them, get a look and feel of the wool and shape and structure of the sheep, which you can’t always get from a photo online.”
Sullivan notes rising optimism in the industry despite past hardships and strong meat and wool prices. Events like Agfair enable producers to reconnect: “A lot of the country has had a pretty tough run the last couple of years, but there is certainly a lot more optimism and confidence out there at the moment.”
Robust Attendance Boosts Event Success
The two-day Agfair features around 300 exhibitors, including numerous livestock studs from South Australia. Terry Smith, grazier and Agfair vice president, welcomes the strong turnout amid recent rains and economic pressures.
“It’s great to see these guys roll up even with the way that fuel prices have been,” Smith said. Organizers anticipated lower numbers due to fuel costs but report higher crowds and exhibitors than expected, avoiding a COVID-era dip.
