One of Victoria’s most anticipated summer cattle fixtures will be held more than 200km from home this year, with Elders Yea relocating its 39th Annual Blue Ribbon Weaner Sale to the Victoria Livestock Exchange (VLE) centre, Leongatha, due to the tragic bushfire circumstances across the Yea district and surrounding areas.
The relocation presents a notable logistical change for the long-running sale. However, with the recent devastating bushfires front of mind, organisers have prioritised safety and certainty by moving the 2026 event to the Leongatha, while also interfacing the sale online through AuctionsPlus.
Importantly, Elders Yea has confirmed that while the venue has changed, the key sale details have not.
“Buy with confidence knowing that all sale details remain unchanged, including date and start time,” Elders said in a social media post.
“Only the venue has changed, with all vendors fully supportive of the relocation, ensuring the same strong Blue Ribbon sale buyers know and trust.”
With more than 200km between Yea and Leongatha, the relocation represents a major effort from agents, vendors, transport operators and sale staff to ensure the event runs smoothly.
Despite the change in location, Elders Yea says the quality and consistency the Blue Ribbon sale is known for will remain front and centre.
“We’re proud to present an outstanding offering of quality weaners, with buyers invited to secure cattle from a fantastic line-up of Blue Ribbon weaners sourced from trusted, committed vendors,” Elders said.
“Featuring well-bred, well-presented drafts, this is a sale not to be missed for buyers seeking consistency and quality.”
AuctionsPlus will interface the commercial offering directly from the VLE saleyards, allowing buyers to participate remotely from wherever they may be.