Livestock markets – serving the industry for 200 years

Livestock markets are an integral part of our industry and often perform a far more important function than just providing a place to buy and sell animals. For many in rural communities, the social dimension of attending a livestock auction market is still a very good way of networking and updating their knowledge in what can be a lonely industry.

Britain’s livestock markets are celebrating their 200th anniversary this year, with the first livestock market in Britain as we would recognise it being built in Hawick in 1817. Cockermouth was home to the first English livestock market, which was built in 1865. To mark the anniversary, we have produced an overview of livestock markets in England in 2017 on behalf of the Livestock Auctioneers’ Association (LAA), reviewing the development of the market sector in recent years and what the future might hold.

Most readers will be aware that the number of livestock auction markets has gradually declined over recent years, from 259 in England and Wales 1990 to just 97 in 2017. This has been due to a combination of reasons, including developments in livestock production and policy, the impact of diseases, increased competition from deadweight sales and the effect of falling abattoir numbers.

However, this decline has been accompanied by significant investment in many markets, with older town centre facilities being relocated and rebuilt, often making them easier to access. Facilities at livestock markets have improved beyond recognition in the last 20 years, giving both welfare and environmental benefits. Operators have become more knowledgeable in stock handling and have embraced assurance and training, as well as focusing on new technology, which has helped meet legislative challenges and has improved the flow of information back to producers.

We are lucky that in the Midlands and Welsh borders we have some of the biggest markets in the country and looking ahead, if those markets are to survive and prosper in the next 20 years, they need to continue to maintain the support of their local farming community. As such, producers need to be confident that they will get a fair price for stock sold through the market and appreciate the value that having such a facility adds to their business.

The report, ‘Livestock markets – Serving the industry for 200 years’, is available to download from ahdb.org.uk/publications