AUCTION marts received a welcome boost in 2016, with several centres noting a reversal of the downturn in throughputs and increased numbers sold.
Furthermore, while the increase in throughputs helped to offset the fall in values in some sectors, other areas noted price improvements.
Speaking at the AGM of the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS), in Edinburgh, outgoing president, Willie McCulloch of Lawrie and Symington said: “Markets were dependent on livestock production, last year found that recent downward trends in throughput and value in some cases has been reversed which is more encouraging for the industry."
He added that the value of livestock sold through the IAAS corporate members levelled at just under £512m which represents an increase of £77,879. Store stock throughput value fell by £247,720 while prime stock throughput rose by £325,799. Overall, numbers have increased by 1.91% for the 2.73m head of stock sold, he said.
Overall, some 2.34m head of sheep were sold, which is a rise of 2.36%, with the 387,997 cattle cashed representing a rise of 1.50%.
In the prime cattle and OTM sector, numbers fell by 7.43% to 83,805 with a value of £72.6m. In contrast, prime and cast sheep numbers fell by 0.85% but their value rose by £2.5m (2.74%). Store, breeding and dairy cattle numbers rose by 1.10%, however, the 287,673 head cashed saw values drop 3.49% to £255.9m. Store and breeding sheep numbers rose 958,281 head, up 7.2% with sold with a total value of £58.8m which is up a massive 10.73% on 2016 figures.
At the agm, Scott Donaldson, sale director of Harrison and Hetherington, based at Carlisle, was elected new president of the IAAS and in a special nomination from general council, David Leggat, of United Auctions was presented with an honourary membership certificate.
Mr Leggat, who said he was "extremely humbled," by the nomination, has represented the IAAS for more than 40 years as president and council member and has contributed a great deal to the IAAS and the livestock industry.
The Scottish trends compare favourably with those from auction mart system in England and Wales in 2016, which saw almost £1.7bn worth of livestock change hands.
Overall numbers of store and breeding stock south of the Border increased by more than 70,000 above 2015 figures with slaughter stock figures also standing up well despite a small fall in sales compared to the previous 12 months. In total, almost 11.5m cattle, sheep, pigs and calves passed through the system in 2016.
Chris Dodds, executive secretary of the Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA), said it is a sign of a 'profitable' industry.
“The overall figures released reveal a dynamic and profitable industry, despite difficult trading conditions. The figures also demonstrate the critical role the livestock auction market system plays in supporting the sector.”
In the 200 years since the first registered auction in Hawick in 1817, the livestock sector has changed dramatically.
“The LAA has been instrumental in introducing new training programmes, is working alongside industry organisations to deliver a data exchange initiative at point of sale, and continues to deliver support and advice as we face a period of uncertain trading,” said Mr Dodds
“Livestock auction markets are pivotal to the supply chain, providing an open, transparent and competitive marketing forum for the red-meat sector. These figures reinforce this message, and the LAA will continue to encourage innovation and traceability, help shape future policy and positively represent the sector.”
IAAS Livestock auction sales in Scotland in 2015 and 2016
2015 2016
Overall totals
Stock numbers 2,678,924 2,730,286
Throughput £511,172,322 £511,951,116
Unit Value £190.81 £187.87
Number of sheep sold 2,293,968 2,348,112
Number of cattle Sold 382,262 387,997
Number of pigs sold 2757 2865
Total value prime stock £171,853,501 £175,111,498
Total value store stock £339,316,822 £336,839,627
Slaughter stock
Cattle
Number 90,214 83,508
Value £78,411,423 £72,608,412
Average £869 £869
Sheep
Number 1,381,149 1,369,272
Value £93,099,282 £95,652,795
Average £67.40 £65.86
Pigs
Number 2552 2602
Value £342,796 £347,732
Average £134 £134
Store cattle
Store/breeding and dairy cattle
Number 284,525 287,673
Value £265,247,590 £255,976,156
Average £932 £890.00
Store and breeding sheep
Number 893,221 958,281
Value £53,161,678 £58,869,982
Average £59.51 £61.63
Rams
Number 18,964 18,904
Value £9,886,765 £10,904,615
Average £521.00 £577.00
Pedigree female sheep
Number 634 655
Value £448,839 £528,265
Average £708.00 £807.00
Store pigs
Number 205 263
Value £7349 £9628
Average £35.85 £36.61
Store calves
Number 4781 4950
Value £1280,649 £1,281,620
Average £268.00 £259.00
Pedigree bulls and females
Number 2742 2866
Value £9,283,986 £9,233,396
Average £3385.00 £3222.00
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