Positive Growth In Livestock Markets

UK - Newly published figures reveal that livestock auction markets in England and Wales have seen significant increases in the number of store and breeding cattle sold through them in 2009, compared with the previous year.
calendar icon 30 March 2010
clock icon 2 minute read

The total annual turnover of the markets also rose from £1,087,385,071 in 2008 to £1,274,549,633 in England, while the total turnover in Wales increased to £284,008,745 in 2009, compared with £235,446,178 during the previous 12 months.

Commenting on the latest statistics, Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA) chairman Alastair Sneddon said they showed that a growing number of producers were recognising the advantages of selling their stock through livestock markets, rather than by any other method.

The number of store and breeding cattle sold by the livestock markets in England last year increased to 629,239, compared with 601,899 in 2008, while the number of calves sold rose from 171,695 to 181,598 over the same period. They also sold 1,812,926 store and breeding sheep in 2009, compared with 1,775,914 in 2008.

Meanwhile in Wales, the number of store and breeding cattle that passed through the auctioneers' hands also increased - from 136,921 in 2008 to 140,677 last year, while the number of store and breeding sheep sold rose to 1,812,926, compared with 1,775,914 in 2008. The number of slaughter sheep sold also increased from 2,118,857 in 2008 to 2,909,286 last year.

"We are extremely pleased with these results, which reveal just how important livestock auction markets are for producers and the country's meat supply chain, as well as the rural economy," said Mr Sneddon.

"These increased throughput figures have been achieved when both the national herd and the national flock numbers have been reducing year on year, which highlights the important role that the live market system plays in the UK - and shows how much the livestock farmer appreciates them," he explained.

"In addition to helping producers get the best prices for all their animals, the markets also provide a centre where farmers can access other products and services including machinery dealers, land agents, animal health suppliers and a wide range of consultancy and advice," added Mr Sneddon.

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