Work has started on a new livestock auction market to be built, owned and run by farmers at the National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.
Rugby Farmers' Mart LLP has 250 members made up principally of Midlands livestock farmers but also including livestock hauliers and associated industries.
Funding for the project has been by farmer subscription, which has raised around £500,000, an investment of £100,000 from the Royal Agricultural Society of England, the site owners, £200,000 in grant from regional development agency, Advantage West Midlands and £50,000 from Howkins and Harrison.
"The creation of a livestock market at the National Agricultural Centre is a huge boost to the livestock industry in the Midlands," said Warwickshire beef and sheep farmer and Rugby Farmers' Mart Chairman, Richard Heckford.
"Not only is this a superb, central location known by everyone in the country but the position on the site, under cover and within the 5000 square metre sheep building at Stoneleigh, will give us fantastic facilities. Our budgets show that we need a weekly throughput of 100 cattle and 1500 sheep to be a viable market. We are confident of exceeding those numbers," said Richard.
Work began at the turn off the year and the market is expecting to receive its first lots in the ring by mid to late April.
The project will include a large sale ring with all associated penning and lairage, offices and fully computerised settlement facilities. Initially, there will be one sale a week – on Mondays – but Rugby Auction Marts has permission for Wednesday weekly sales and five special Friday sales during the year. Enquiries are already being received from breed societies and other independent groups for other sale dates.
"We have had fantastic support from farmers. They like the idea of being in control of their market and have pledged strong support. We are advertising for a managing auctioneer to come and run the business day to day and believe that is an exciting and unique opportunity for a really go ahead and imaginative person," said Richard.
Continued
"The company is owned by the 250 farmer investors but the auction will be open to everyone. When the mart is completed in April we will welcome farmers and buyers from any part of the country to come and do business with us. The Stoneleigh Market will act as a collection centre as well as live auction. This is a co-operative venture that stands to benefit all livestock farmers," said Richard
Commenting on the development, RASE Chief Executive, John Moverley, said he was delighted that Stoneleigh had been able to accommodate the new market.
"This is a fantastic development both for the RASE and for Midland livestock farmers. It will add to the commercial diversity of the National Agricultural Centre and bring many new businesses to the site. We are delighted to have played our part in this exciting new project."
