KAROONDA will host its first sheep sale in 13 years, with 5000 young ewes and breeding ewes going under the hammer on August 18.
Spence Dix & Co agent Simon Lehmann said there was significant demand from producers wanting to see a local sale return.
"One of the main parts of our job as livestock agents is marketing. The most important part of marketing is listening to our vendors needs and buyers' requirements," Mr Lehmann said.
"The request from local producers and demand from regular buyers to be able to attend a local sale held in the traditional open cry auction system was significant.
"We love being involved in great communities and community events. The rebirth of a Karoonda sheep sale certainly ticks those boxes."
Vendor Bruce Kerr said the return of sheep sales to the town "made sense", given producers had been freighting their sheep to sales in Murray Bridge, Lameroo, Pinnaroo and Keith at a significant cost.
"It's incredible to have the sale back in Karoonda and it's a true indication of the high quality of our Mallee sheep," he said. "We have a good reputation and are highly regarded, so it makes sense that we can hold sales here.
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"This opportunity will allow farmers in the area to increase returns by saving on freight costs for livestock sales. This financial benefit will be felt well into the future."
District Council of Karoonda East Murray mayor Caroline Phillips said the council was pleased to assist in finding a suitable sale venue within the township, and excited to see the iconic sheep sale scenes come back to the town, and importantly, delivered in closer proximity to local sheep farmers.
"The local community is to be congratulated on their approach to council with the idea of reinvigorating the sale. This event will further raise the profile of the region's strong sheep industry and farming reputation," Ms Phillips says.
"With 80 per cent of businesses in our district made up of the agriculture sector, working together on projects like this reiterates our profile as an agricultural hub."
The sale will be interfaced with Auctions Plus, starting at 1pm at the Karoonda Industrial Park, Lewis Road, Karoonda.
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