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