Stronger figures at UK livestock auctions

New trade figures released last month re-affirm the stronger prices and positive attitudes prevailing at livestock auction markets across the UK, especially for new season lambs and prime cattle.

The market survey from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) published in January highlighted the fact that while total lamb sales were down due to the decline in the national flock, liveweight prices continued to rise year-on-year at auction markets.

It also reported that in December 2010, the average prime cattle price achieved at the markets was higher year-on-year at 159.4p per kg.

Welcoming these figures, Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA) chairman Gwyn Williams confirmed that markets had enjoyed "excellent" prices for lambs and prime cattle and a firm trade during the past year.

Mr Williams was particularly pleased that recognition of the significant contribution made to livestock trade by the country’s network of auction markets had come from such a respected independent authority.

"Livestock auction markets are still providing the cornerstone of business for a large proportion of the livestock industry, with a growing number of farmers returning to this traditional and transparent form of marketing, where they can sell all their animals to a range of different outlets for the best price available," he said.

The UK Market Survey report (January 7-11) showed that the combined average SQQ lamb price increased by nearly 25p per kg on the year to 195.9p per kg in May 2010. New season lambs were also significantly dearer during the second half of 2010.

It added that the strong trade continued with cull ewes averaging £61 per head between January and December, an increase of 18% year on year, the UK Market Survey said. "While steer and heifer throughputs fell, the number of young bulls sold at auction markets bucked the trend and increased by 11% year on year," it added.

This positive report on the buoyant trade at livestock auction markets follows another independent report earlier this year, which revealed a resurgence of sales of sheep through livestock auction markets, as well as the significant increase in the sale of older cull cows for human consumption.

Commissioned by EBLEX and published in January, the report pointed out that in spite of countless challenges posed by restrictions after outbreaks of disease, EU regulations, economic downturns and a decline in livestock numbers, the UK’s markets had seen growth in specialist beef and store cattle sales.

It pointed out that any decreases in trade were due to the decline in the national flock, rather than a decline in auction market support and use.

Although the national ewe flock is at its smallest since 1980, the auction market share continues to grow.