MARKET REPORTS

THRIVING LIVE TRADE

A recent press release by the Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA) reports throughput figures of well over 11 million animals sold through the live sales rings in England and Wales during 2020, with turnover topping £1.8 billion. The figures represent an increase in almost every sector over 2019 numbers, despite the unprecedented challenge of Covid-19 and a drop in production numbers in some categories. Up from 10.7 million across all species in 2019, the latest figures include just under 10 million sheep and over one million cattle sold through the live system as farmers turn to the livestock market to maximise returns. Total cattle sold increased by 30,000 over 2019 and overall sheep sales were up 370,000 year on year.

Significantly, despite DEFRA figures revealing a 3.7% drop in overall mutton and lamb production and a 15% drop in slaughter numbers for ewes and rams, slaughter stock numbers for sheep sold through the market have increased by almost 5% to over 6.8 million. The increased throughputs have been phenomenal, and this is in large part due to the support, understanding and patience of vendors and buyers and of course the support and collaboration from hauliers and all the hard work of enthusiastic market staff.

The live markets have pulled in more small and medium sized retailers and butchers during the challenges of the pandemic by ensuring that the right stock is in place for them. While the livestock fraternity continues to value the importance of the auction system in achieving competitive and fair prices, reflecting the demand against availability, the past 12 months have really demonstrated this strength of the live sales rings.

Similar positive results have been achieved at Ashford Market, with record returns in both the cattle and sheep sections in recent weeks. During the first three weeks of March, demand for finished cattle remained at exceptional levels, and although numbers have been up by 27% on the year, many more could have been sold at favourable returns with fresh buyers at ringside. Average gross returns of £1,260 are up 25% on the year, with the very best beef bred cattle attracting prices in excess of 240p/kg and £1,500 plus. Our regular vendors have been well rewarded with record returns, notably Parthenais cross steer and heifer £1,472 (250p) and £1,690 (257p) respectively from S Marsh, Dover; British Blue cross heifer £1,495 (254p) from D W Ferguson, Dover; Limousin cross steer and heifer £1,505 (246p) and £1,363 (253p) from W Alexander (Shoreham), Sevenoaks; Limousin cross steer £1,535 (233p) from

Upturn in throughput, numbers and turnover

ELWYN DAVIES

Reporting on the sheep market at Ashford

T: 01233 502222

www.hobbsparker.co.uk

G L Boulden & Son, Aldington; and Limousin crosses with weight grossing well with steer £1,606 (235p) and £1,602 (227p) and heifer £1,463 (238p) from W S Furnival (Brookland). The best of the beef x dairy bred cattle have not been too far behind, with Limousin x Friesian steer to £1,319 (227p) from A J Down, Sellindge, and the pick of the native bred cattle have made around 215p, notably purebred Sussex steers grossing £1,455 and £1,427 from J G & D G White, Canterbury, and Lincoln Red steer £1,412 (223p) from A & M Lyon, Dover.

The improvement in finished beef returns over the past 12 months, to the point that we are now seeing record returns, is resulting in tremendous store cattle prices. Two quality shows of store cattle in early March, comprising 900 head in total, have attracted a good attendance of buyers from home and away with the West Country, Midlands, East Anglia and north of England buyers all taking stock.

Outstanding shows of yearling continental cross cattle have met a superb trade, with the best steers making over £1,000 and some high flyers breaking through £1,200 and best heifers generally making £900 to £1,100. Top yearling prices have included Limousin cross steers and heifers making £1,240 and £1,060 from H J Emery & Son, Staplehurst; Limousin cross steers and heifers £1,200 and £975 from G Bates Ltd, Sutton Valance; Limousin cross steers £1,180 from A J Thompson & Sons, Romney Marsh; £1,170 from R Wade, Sandhurst; £1,150 from M J Ashworth Ltd, Romney Marsh; £1,160 from P J S Farms Ltd, Dover; and £1,110 from L Palmer & Son, Egerton.

Although native bred cattle have been in shorter supply there is plenty of demand and more are wanted every week. Aberdeen Angus crosses have been keenly sought after, with the best of the yearling steers £1,130 from F Pearce & Sons, Wickford, Essex and £1,035 from J Prior & Sons, Romney Marsh, while older 18-month purebred Sussex steers have looked well sold at £1,170 from J C & C Lewis, Sheerness and 18-month Hereford x Friesian steers £1,000 from Mrs J Jackman, Godalming. Generally, trade is brisk throughout and more cattle of all breeds, age and quality are wanted.

The situation is similar in the sheep section, where tight supplies nationally are pushing prices to record levels. In recent weeks hogget numbers have levelled at around 2,500 head per week. Our most recent sale produced an exceptional average of just short of 300p/kg and a gross average of £130, around 24% up on the year. Best heavy weights have made over £140 and plenty are over £150, topping at £170 for 70kg Beltex from Miss M Friend, Deal. Best handy weight export types have attracted good premiums of 315p plus with the pick 38kg Beltex £130 (342p) from A Neaves, Staplehurst; 39kg Texel cross £133 (341p) from P Ashlee, Woodchurch; and 43kg Beltex cross £142 (330p) from P Gorringe, Henfield.

In a single recent week Ashford recorded 104 buyers from 20 counties and 155 sellers from six counties. This clearly demonstrates the value and support for the live sales ring where, even through the challenges of Covid-19, it provides the platform to meet the demand of the retailer and consumer while achieving a competitive and fair price for the producer.