The South Island's largest saleyards at Temuka have experienced a record year, despite the impact of Mycoplasma bovis.
Temuka Saleyards Company chairman Ian Bowan said they would have a record profit which would be revealed at its annual meeting, to be held soon.
He remained philosophical about the impact of M. bovis.
''It has affected our throughput a little but it's just one of those things and is part of farming till it sorts itself out.
''We're mindful of its impact on stock sales and will be adopting a more conservative approach to this coming season.
''We get a lot of dairy farmers as clients; in May last year we had 1300 culled cows through the sale yards in one day.
''It [M. bovis] has caused concern but we see it as a temporary thing.''
A total of 75,512 cattle were sold through the yards in the present year, up from 69,444 in 2017. Sheep numbers rose from 281,424 in 2017 to 339,379. The company pays a rebate of 80c a cattle beast and 25c a sheep.
By way of comparison, in 1983 a total of 277,998 sheep were sold, 20,026 cattle and 2088 pigs - the latter trade has fallen away to only 67 in 2018.
Temuka Saleyards is a farmer-owned co-operative and the third-largest sale yards in New Zealand. Livestock sold there comes from Southland, Central Otago through to North Canterbury, and the Chatham Islands.
The saleyards are leased to TESSCO South Canterbury Ltd which helps run all scheduled sale days.
''They'll be there at 7am on sale days every Monday (prime stock) and Thursday (store stock).
''Forty or more stock agents come from around the South Island both days and many from rural areas who also treat the days as a social event.
''The sales bring a lot of people to Temuka. There were a lot of characters in the old days, the McBrides of Winchester, Bill and Brian McCully, of Temuka ... not as many now.
''They'd tell stories, some exaggerated I'd imagine.''
The sale yards have existed in Temuka for over 100 years but exactly when they were established is uncertain. Pleasant Point once had its own sale yards but amalgamated with Temuka.
''My grandfather used to go to it (Temuka) and I can remember it as a small boy.''
In recent years Temuka has benefited from the closure of other salesyards which has been a trend nationwide.
Two years ago the Tinwald yards closed, which was a big surprise.
''In this area we've now got it to ourselves.''
Several years ago South Canterbury company Peter Walsh and Associates and Hazlett Rural reopened saleyards at Coalgate which drew livestock from Mid Canterbury to Marlborough.
Mr Bowan said the Temuka saleyards had to spend a lot of money to keep in the game and ensure they got stock.
He attended the sales each week.
''I go out and talk to people about their whims and woes. Most farmers are really good to talk to.
''And we've got 58,000 spare shares; we'd like people to buy those.''
