Livestock throughput rises as market turnover tops £3bn

Higher livestock prices and increased throughput across almost all categories has enabled live auction marts to achieve record sales of just over £3bn in 2025.

This represents a 22% increase on the 2024 performance, according to analysis by the Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA), with the bulk of the heavy lifting attributed to record prices for finished stock – described as the “standout feature” for 2025.

See also: Check out weekly live auction prices here

According to the data, actual live throughput across England and Wales in 2025 edged up to about 10.76m  animals.

Last year that figure stood at 10.72m cattle, sheep and pigs, generating a combined turnover nearing £2.46bn.

The uplift was largely driven by finished stock, which rose by 86,000 head to 6.83m compared to 2024, with finished sheep accounting for the majority of this growth.

Strong demand

Finished cattle numbers were more static, rising by just 2,000 head, but values were up about £500 a head in some cases due to tight global and national supplies.

“Young calves have also seen strong demand, with some markets achieving exceptional prices of up to £1,000/head, reflecting continued appetite for quality stock despite higher input costs across the sector,” said a spokesman.

About the only blot has been the pressure on store and breeding sheep, reflecting the long-term contraction in the national flock – down about 2% on the year, according to recent data from the AHDB.

“The live ring continues to deliver real value for farmers,” said LAA policy and strategy officer Alastair Brown.

“It provides a transparent, competitive marketplace, with a buyer for every type of stock and no hidden deductions, creating genuine opportunities to achieve the best possible price.”