FG 175: Looking back at the changes in the British livestock auction system

Supermarkets were also becoming a major influence and, by 2017, sold 64 per cent of all retail beef.

The fact that they are, on the whole, supplied by processors which operate on a deadweight policy, has impacted massively on the number of finished stock now sold through markets, particularly cattle.

However, most store and breeding stock, including a large percentage of pedigree animals, continue to be sold at live auctions.

The impact of disease within the livestock industry has had a knock-on effect for markets.

The 1967 outbreak of foot-andmouth caused 430,000 animals to be slaughtered on 2,300 farms.

BSE hit the UK cattle sector in 1996, resulting in the EU banning British beef for 10 years and the relentless spread of TB and the restrictions imposed by it continue to hit livestock markets hard.

The foot-and-mouth outbreak of 2001 saw markets closed and very limited trade or movement of animals for more than a year. This was the final blow for some markets.

However, against the predictions of many, auction markets have continued to survive and thrive.

Testament

Chris Dodds, executive secretary of the Livestock Auctioneers’ Association, says: “The fact livestock auctions system survived the 2001 foot-and-mouth crisis is testament to the resilience of farmers and demonstrates just how much they value and support markets and the Key dates important role they play within the livestock industry.

“I do not think the number of finished cattle sold through markets will decline much further and the percentage of sheep has been fairly static for a number of years.

“However, one of the biggest challenges facing markets is disease and the Government’s inability to control TB is having a massive impact on how farmers can market stock.”

The last 20 years have seen rationalisation of markets with closures and, in some cases, the amalgamation of auction businesses.

Many of those which have survived have re-invested and in some cases moved to larger premises, generally out of town and created agri-business hubs, the first of which was York in 1971 and many others have followed.

In addition to providing additional income streams in terms of rent for business operators, they enable farmers access a whole range of services relevant to their business.

These can include agricultural merchants, professional services and, in some cases, health care and pastoral support on their visit to the market, as well as providing a vital social hub for the rural community.

The introduction of technology in recent years has had a big impact on how markets operate.

Scott Donaldson, president of the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland and joint managing director of Harrison and Hetherington, says: “Since I started my career in 1985, the biggest change is the introduction of technology, computer market systems and the internet and how this has evolved and improved the service livestock auction marts offer.

“Buyers want more information, and the ability to display details in the ring about the animal being sold, such as breed, sex, age, farm assurance and health status, has been a massive step.

“Markets have modern facilities, are strictly regulated and operate to a high standard of animal health and welfare. They provide a service fit for the industry and which is acceptable to all parts of the food chain.”