Throughputs rocket as live rings deliver for Scottish agriculture

Live rings have continued to deliver in Scotland as the total value of livestock throughput rose to more than £556m in 2020, a 17.5 per cent increase, according to new figures from the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS)'s member markets. Throughput was up by nearly 10 per cent year-on-year despite some operational restrictions at UK marts due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with Neil Wilson IAAS executive director stating last year was one of the most challenging for auctioneers since 'the dark days of Foot and Mouth'. "These figures highlight the crucial roles auction marts and companies play in delivering transparent market prices using the live ring as their unique price discovery environment," he said. "While operating under very different rules to normal, the auction system was pivotal for ensuring farmers could still fairly trade their livestock as well as aiding a very buoyant trade that continues today."It meant new customers came forward to use the system, as well as offering the opportunity to trade more stock. "In a year when Defra figures noted a 3.7 per cent drop in overall sheep production, it was pleasing to see that the number of sheep going through Scottish rings for slaughter actually rose by 10 per cent." Jim Craig, managing director at Craig Wilson, added the price of cattle and sheep would have 'plummeted' if the market system had not been allowed to function in 2020. "It was the most fantastic growing season in 2020 for sheep, with a great survival rate so more lambs to sell and they did not stop growing all year. "Those that were still left at the end of the selling season made a super premium. "Covid-19 meant sellers were not allowed in around the ring but I am very chuffed the trust was there to let us dispose of stock anyway." This year's summer sales had also been 'fantastic' until recently, when increases in fertiliser prices had cooled the market, Grant Macpherson, managing director at Dingwall and Highland Marts, noted. "Cattle were going great, with the first couple of sales in September at about £3/kg for smaller calves," he said. "Although the fertiliser situation has dampened things, a lot of cattle have already been sold." Social Regarded as a social hub for many within the farming community, many networking opportunities for farmers were lost last year despite some sales broadcast online to help them stay abreast of trade. But while the relaxation of rules has seen footfall levels increase, Mr Wilson has urged farmers to remain vigilant as they get back together."Following a couple of really horrible weeks battling the virus myself, and knowing my road to recovery is not over yet, I would urge everyone to take it seriously," he said, adding members marts were reporting many customers continued to ignore requests to wear masks at the marts. "We ask you to please keep each other, and mart staff, safe and wear a mask when asked to."Without mart staff, the trade cannot continue.

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Throughputs rocket as live rings deliver for Scottish agriculture

Live rings have continued to deliver in Scotland as the total value of livestock throughput rose to more than £556m in 2020, a 17.5 per cent increase.

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Throughputs rocket as live rings deliver for Scottish agriculture

Live rings have continued to deliver in Scotland as the total value of livestock throughput rose to more than £556m in 2020, a 17.5 per cent increase.

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