Numbers of livestock sold through auction marts continues to increase according to sales figures for England and Wales for 2015 from the Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA).
The strongest growth was seen in store and breeding sheep, with an increase of 10% to 2,910,098 from 2,685,792, store and breeding cattle also experienced healthy increases.
“These are encouraging figures and demonstrate the strength and flexibility of marts even in difficult times. Farmers are clearly voting with their feet and their support remains strong, with many seeing the competitiveness that the live ring brings as a vital asset in determining a fair price” said Chris Dodds, Executive Secretary of LAA.
“Marts are clearly benefiting both vendors and purchasers as is demonstrated by this continued growth,” he added.
As well as significant increases in store and breeding cattle and sheep, sales numbers were also up for slaughter lambs, slaughter pigs, dairy cattle and calves.
“These are clearly encouraging figures and bode well for the future of auction marts as we enter our 200th year of operation,” said Mr Dodds.
