Time running out to air views on future of livestock marts

Farmers have less than four weeks to respond to a survey on the social benefits, functions and future role of livestock marts.

The call was made by the Prince’s Countryside Fund, which has commissioned a study by Exeter University.

It follows a visit to Louth market by Prince Charles in March 2018, where he heard how Britain’s livestock marts have been in decline over recent years.

See also: Financial health of livestock auction sector in decline

Since the visit, one-third of the UK’s 75 livestock auction firms recorded a loss and the fund has stepped in to examine how a viable, socially responsible and vibrant livestock auction mart sector can be encouraged.

Backed by the Livestock Auctioneers Association, the fund has asked auctioneers, livestock owners and any other stakeholders who use auction marts to have their say by the deadline on 28 February.

“We want to know what livestock auction marts contribute to the agricultural sector, the rural economy and communities, and the countryside,” said a fund spokesman.

Fund director Claire Saunders, added: “We are aware of the difficulties that many of these businesses are facing. “We hope this research will offer practical recommendations to help them prepare for the future and ensure their long-term survival.”

The study will be joint-financed from the Prince’s Countryside Fund and the John Oldacre Endowment at the University of Exeter.