Heartland closes Brandon auction mart

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 06/08/2025 (185 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Heartland Livestock Services has closed its Brandon auction mart for an undisclosed reason.

The organization posted on its website that it “made the difficult decision to close the location,” but assured it will continue to provide livestock marketing services through its markets in Virden as well as Yorkton, Sask., and Swift Current, Sask.

For decades, the Brandon location served as a hub for livestock marketing, attracting farmers from across Westman.

The organization’s chief operating officer, David Nilsson, declined to comment when the Sun contacted him on Tuesday, citing the need for time to organize their communications.

The closure now forces producers to divert to other auction marts across the province, including Virden, Killarney, Gladstone and Ste. Rose, Manitoba Beef Producers president Matthew Atkinson told the Sun.

The location, he explained, has been long considered a flagship site for cattle sales in the region.

“It came as a surprise in some ways,” he said. “Common sense would dictate it can’t stay operating forever in what’s becoming a more developed part of Brandon, but it still comes with a bit of a shock when it happens.”

The closure of the private business might have reflected the changing realities in the city’s land use, Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett told the Sun.

“Things like agricultural auctions are probably best suited in areas just outside of city limits,” he said. “That location had become difficult for livestock operations as the city has grown around it. So, while it’s unfortunate, it may have just run its course.”

Fawcett explained the city was not involved in the decision and learned of the closure after it was made public.

“It’s something we might follow up on to see what that location could be utilized for,” he added. “It remains private property, but if it’s near the riverbank, there may be different options for development.”

According to Atkinson, the shutdown is likely to affect not only cattle marketing logistics but also the broader economy of Brandon.

“One or two days a week, they held sales there, and that meant many farmers and ranchers hauled cattle in and spent time and money in the city,” he said. “Without that flow of producers, I think Brandon’s local businesses are going to feel that absence.”

The closure will push producers to seek alternatives in other nearby markets. Atkinson expects a significant increase in activity at auction marts in Virden, Killarney, Gladstone and Ste. Rose.

“Those are probably the most likely to see an uptick in sales volume,” he said.

He noted that Brandon had been a preferred site for many in the Neepawa region, where he is based, but several viable options remain. “There’s a community-owned mart in Gladstone that does a good job, and private ones in Killarney and Ste. Rose that are strong as well. So we’re not without options.”

However, the increased demand on these facilities could lead to congestion.

“There are times in the fall and spring when you need to book two, three, even five weeks in advance to get your cattle into a sale,” Atkinson said.

Beyond Brandon’s urban growth, broader trends in the cattle industry are influencing where and how producers sell livestock. “We have lower cattle numbers in Manitoba and across North America,” said Atkinson. “We’re seeing more consolidation — fewer producers with larger herds, many of whom sell directly to feedlots or through online platforms.”

These changes have reduced the reliance on physical auction marts, particularly for larger operations that can sell semi-loads directly from the farm.

Atkinson also mentioned a growing trend of producers pre-selling cattle at guaranteed prices due to strong market conditions this summer.

“That’s been a big factor this year,” he said. “The prices were so appealing that many chose to lock in contracts rather than gamble on fall prices.”

As for the now-closed facility’s location, Atkinson pointed to safety concerns and development pressures. “Even when the Corral Centre was built, traffic lights and congestion made it hard to haul loaded semis safely,” he said.

“That area has probably become very desirable real estate. Originally, there was a spur line there for rail cars and cattle, but that hasn’t happened in a long time.”

Despite these shifts, Atkinson does not foresee a direct effect on cattle prices due to the closure.

“Higher prices right now are driving more contracting and pre-sales,” he said, “but I don’t think the closure itself is affecting prices.”

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

» X: @AbiolaOdutola