Transformational changes to livestock commission rates by Aberdeen and Northern Marts (ANM) will bring significant reductions for customers who are shareholders in its co-operative business and reward loyalty for all those who invest in the Mart.

The reduced rates will only be available to shareholders in the co-operative which is already one of Scotland’s largest community owned societies, and one of the country’s most successful farming, food and finance businesses.

As from January 1, 2020, ANM commission rates will be reduced on all stock – as low as 3% for all sales at Thainstone and Caithness auction marts, with the maximum charge being reduced down to 3.5%.

For all other livestock customers, commission rates will be held at the current levels.

There will be no change to the service provided for those selling at Thainstone and Caithness marts, with continued inclusive provision of eve-of-sale and post-sale lairage, stock preparation, tagging and advice on lotting provided by the experienced auctioneering team.

ANM will continue to offer same day settlement and short and long term livestock finance schemes.

Pete Watson, chairman of ANM Group, said: “We are proud of these positive changes and want to ensure that more and more farmers across the region take advantage of the transparency and best value that is on offer by selling in the ring.

Livestock commission rates effective from January 1, 2020

Category Rate Per head maximum

Cattle Maximum

Member Non-Member Member Non-member

Store cattle and weaned calves 3.50% 3.80% £43.70 £43.70

Young calves 3.50% 3.80%

Breeding cattle 3.50% 3.80% £60.80

Breeding bulls 3.50% 3.80%

Dairy cattle (sold in £'s) 3.50% 3.80%

Prime cattle 3.00% 3.30% £35.00

Prime cattle (OTM) 3.50% 3.80% £43.70

Cast cows 3.30% 3.80% £40.00

Cast bulls 3.50% 3.80% £50.00

Category Rate Per head maximum

Sheep

Member Non-member Member Non-member

Store and breeding sheep 3.50% 3.80%

Feeding ewes and rams 3.00% 3.80%

Ewes with lambs 3.50% 3.80%

Prime sheep 3.00% 3.80% £2.96