Firm prices and increased buyer presence at Scottish marts

Auctioneers at Scottish markets noted an increase in the number of buyers at ringside and strong prices during 2023, according to the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS).

Values have held firm in 2023 and in line with 2022 levels, which was a bumper year for auction marts with sales exceeding £600m, it said.

In mid-December, lambs averaged 263.6p/kg liveweight at Scottish auction marts, while all prime cattle stood at 288.9p/kg liveweight.

See also: Welsh lamb numbers fall 9.7% as UK sheep sector contracts

IAAS executive director Neil Wilson said it had taken time, following Covid-19 restrictions, but reports suggest that sale days are buzzing once again.

Mr Wilson added: “Unfortunately, processors and retailers found reason to reduce finished prices during the summer.

“However, with the rebound in price as we headed into the back-end sales calendar, there was a strong uptick in store cattle prices, while suckled calf sales drew in some tremendous stock, which made terrific prices.”

Auctioneer views

Oliver Shearman, managing director at Caledonian Marts, said fat cattle had sold well and had been strong consistently throughout the year, while store cattle had been steady, but rose during the past few weeks.

Spring lamb trade had gone up by about 25p/kg to 30p/kg over the year, he added.

Grant Macpherson of Dingwall Mart said: “The sheep trade has risen. It started fairly buoyant this year. There has been a rise in cull cows, reflecting reducing herd numbers across the country – silent dispersals.

“To save costs and because of labour issues, farmers have been putting cows through the cull ring instead of breeding ring sales.”