Auctions win more trade

Livestock markets’  throughput in the first quarter of the year rose sharply compared with the same period in 2004, according to new figures from the Meat and Livestock Commission.

Prime cattle numbers rose 10,000 head to 90,400, with sheep throughput growing by 20,000 to 645,000 lambs. English marts showed the biggest increases, with Scottish and Welsh centres showing more modest, though significant, growth.

OPEN PRICING

Chris Dodds, secretary of the Livestock Auctioneers Association, said the figures showed more and more farmers were disillusioned with the deadweight sector and were returning to the auction marts.

“It”s about freedom of choice and an open, transparent marketing system. The National Beef Association has been very active in highlighting the massive variance in off-takes and penalties imposed by some abattoirs. Farmers know that in the auction ring, the price that is bid is the price that is paid.”

1bn TRADE

The LAA has recently announced that final figures for 2004 showed auction marts had sold more than 1bn of livestock last year. Trade volumes had increased 9% on 2003, helping to boost the 137 member-marts” turnover by 10%.

Chairman Robert Whitelock said: “Our European counterparts are to visit us as we host the European Marts” Conference on April 29 and we will be pleased to show them an industry that is growing year on year. They cannot fail to be impressed.”