More than $1 million is being spent to guarantee Dalby remains one of Australia's most successful one-day livestock marketing centres.

A visit to the Dalby Saleyards is an experience that attracts buyers, sellers and others who simply come to take a look at this lively rural event.

In a move to ensure the facility keeps pace with industry demands, the saleyards' management team has developed a five-year improvement program.

Upgrades are already underway with air-operated gates, improved walkways, additional covered areas, sealed access roads and pen water troughs now in operation.

A yard rebuilding schedule is in place and a spacious new cafeteria provides a range of refreshments for those seeking time out from the busy market place.

Dalby Saleyards Chief Executive Officer Ian Stevenson said the saleyards were a great facility for the Dalby region that attracted rural producers from a wide area and the refurbishment would ensure it retained its reputation as a first-class stock market.

"We're developing a modern, up-to-date facility that will be a credit to the region and we encourage producers to use it," Ian said.

Dalby Saleyards' standing as one of the largest single-day cattle and sheep selling centres in the country is evidenced in last year's sales figures with a total of 233, 274 head of cattle and 64,130 sheep recorded as sold during 2003.

Eight stock agents operate at the yards selling cattle on Wednesdays and sheep on Mondays with store sales held at certain times. Livestock is transported in from distant properties to the north, south and west of Dalby including interstate.

Situated in the hub of feedlot and 'feed on' properties, Dalby is the ideal selling location. It is close to meatworks and is also tick-free so cattle can be transported anywhere in Australia.

With so much to offer there is little doubt Dalby Saleyards will continue to develop its full market potential well into the future.

Whether you're doing business or just wanting to take part in an exciting rural spectacle, take the time to drop into the saleyards - they're definitely worth a visit.