'Trade deals are playing on people’s minds' - Brexit uncertainty makes buyers cautious

Lawrie and Symington auctioneer Tam Struthers said prices for breeding ewes had fallen slightly, with buyers more cautious.

Change

He said: “It is due to big political changes, but it is also the average age getting older as well. People are not looking to expand the flock.”

The weather has dominated the mood in the marts in Scotland and Mr Struthers said he could sense farmers’ frustrations, with many still battling to get the harvest completed.

He added there had been a good trade for store cattle and suckled calves.

He said: “Some store cattle are showing signs of the weather. Sheep sales have been steady and are also showing signs of the weather, full of wet grass.”

However, he emphasised the farming community was resilient, despite the depressed mood.

Mr Venner said the impact of the weaker pound was still helping support prices.

He said: “We have seen improved lamb and cattle prices this year. It is just imports are less competitive.”

For dairy cattle, prices for heifers have improved on the back of more favourable milk prices.

The mood on the ground was ‘cautiously optimistic’, but Mr Venner said farmers were still hurting from the last downturn.

He said: “No-one is rushing out to go mad over it. People are being fairly sensible. It is just the improved milk price which is enabling them to pay more.”