IN 2002 Peter Hayes (pictured) and his family started a privately owned livestock agency from the Churchill saleyards, which they named Hayes & Co Harrisville Pty Ltd.
In 2003 the opportunity arose for Peter to lease the newly built saleyards at Silverdale (which he later purchased, thus the doors at the Churchill saleyards closed.
He also purchased the saleyards at Nebo from the Braeside Council where he conducts monthly sales with Landmark and Brian Dawson Auctions.
Peter’s right hand man Craig Bell started as a trainee auctioneer when he was 20. Two decades later, Craig still works with Peter as a senior auctioneer.
“Craig keeps the sales running smoothly whilst I’m selling cattle in the north,” Peter said.
The newest team member is Peter’s son, Landon.
“Landon has come ahead in leaps and bounds, he’s been learning to auctioneer at the Beaudesert markets, the same place Craig learnt to sell,” he said.
Peter said 2016 has been a good one for Hayes & Co.
“Cattle prices were very good in comparison to the last 10 plus years, and we averaged 600 head per week through the modern and well maintained facilities at Silverdale this year.”
He said the 10th Annual Silverdale Show & Sale held in March saw people attend in “huge” numbers.
“It’s our major event of the year, we had huge cash and prizes and vendors came from near and wide to exhibit their cattle.
Peter also said close to 1000 head were penned for the Annual Weaner Sale in May which he plans to keep holding annually.
“This sale gives our clients a centrally located sale to disperse their weaners from.”
In October 2016, Hayes & Co expanded the business by building a rural merchandise and country apparel store, which Peter said has been “a real hit”.
For enquiries phone (07) 5463-8099 or visit http://hayesandco.com.au/
