Time is ticking for Westminster and Brussels to decide on a future relationship – but with fewer than four months left, it’s anybody’s guess what will happen.

Is Boris Johnson’s threat of no-deal, in fact, a strategic move to push the EU towards a better agreement? Or has a no-deal exit been his plan all along? Whichever way, it’s fair to say ‘uncertainty’ is still going to be the watch word for some time yet.

Amongst the political posturing and headlines, I see farmers continuing with what is certain – the need to farm.

Currently, store sales are buoyant and it looks like many lambs will be coming through to market at the beginning of next year, just after the Brexit transition period ends.

As auction marts, our business is perhaps not as exposed to the changes ahead as others.We are, however, keenly aware of the possible impacts on our customers, and as auction marts we plan to be a rock of certainty for our customers.

Our auctioneers will still be out on farm (Covid-allowing) or at the end of a phone, offering a professional ear and sounding board.

Few organisations talk to so many farmers on a regular basis. And so, critically, we will continue to use this unique insight to amplify farmers’ voices in parliament – both in Edinburgh and London.

Because the job of Brexit is far from done, and soon the hard work of detailed policy building really begins. One example is the sheep producers’ support scheme in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Currently, two versions of the scheme are on the table – one that would support prime lambs at the point of slaughter and the other support breeding ewes.

We are urging government to ensure that these schemes are fair and straightforward for all involved and that any support makes its way, in full, directly to the primary producers, so that it is not used to subsidise other parts of the chain.

We are also pressurising government to enable trade between Scotland and Northern Ireland to continue as normal, rather than with the added burden of export health certificates.

As part of the Food Resilience Group, we’re working to ensure producers aren’t taken advantage of in trade deals, and that the quality of Scottish produce is valued for its high welfare and low environmental impact.

So what ever comes down the tracks in the next few months, lean on us, talk to us, because your local mart has your back.