FIRE-AFFECTED farmers looking for somewhere to agist livestock can go to various major saleyards for help.
All livestock, including horses and alpacas, are welcome at Pakenham, Leongatha and Sale, according to Victorian Livestock Exchange managing director Graham Osborne.
He said producers can bring fodder, if they have it, but if they don't, that he "wouldn't be letting any stock starve".
He said hundreds of cattle were now being brought in from the Bunyip-region fires.
More are expected to come in later in the week as more areas are re-opened for public access.
Up to 3000 head can be housed at Pakenham and Leongatha and up to 1000 head at Sale.
Mr Osborne said perhaps about half of the cattle now housed at the saleyards would be sold in the regular sales.
Wodonga saleyards have also began accepting fire affected stock over the weekend.
A spokesman said up to 50 cows and calves from the Kiewa Valley had been delivered and inquiries had been received for yards for fire-affected horses.
At Wangaratta, saleyards manager Peter Murray said holding yards with troughs were available for cattle, sheep and horses.
* Producers are advised to contact major saleyards in their area before delivering stock.
This story was first published on WeeklyTimesNow on February 9, 2009.
