Growing concern over lack of sales
Growing concern over lack of sales
CONCERN is growing over the knock-on effects of the cancellation of the big autumn auctions of breeding and store stock.
The two National Sheep Association multi-breed ram sales in Wales, at which around 9800 tups are usually penned, have been cancelled because of foot-and-mouth.
Wales and Border NSA secretary Jayne Smith is working with breeders, breed societies and auctioneers to link sellers and buyers – but it is clear the numbers traded will be well down.
"We may be able to get licences for special sales later in the year, but prospects look very bleak. Our main sale had a turnover of £2m so its loss is a big financial knock for ram breeders and auctioneers."
Producers of prolific half-bred ewes out of hardy hill ewes also fear the impact of movement restrictions and poor lamb and cull ewe prices on demand for their sheep. And flying flock operators may decide to hang on to older ewes for one more season.
This would be very damaging in Wales. An informal survey of farmers producing Welsh Mule breeding sheep indicates that F&M has had little impact on numbers.
"The rough check shows 52,000 head, so the final figure could be close to last years 72,000, which was worth £3m," says breed association secretary Moss Jones. "I cannot see how these sort of numbers will be traded."
Other Welsh breed societies are similarly placed, said Mrs Smith. Answers are needed quickly as the first sale would normally take place in September. The society has asked the government to clarify the situation so contingency plans can be made.
If sale centres remain shut, Mule breeders hope to work with auctioneers to organise catalogue sales, using digital images.