Matthew Probert on an unpredictable year.
With the unthinkable anniversary of the introduction of the ‘drop and go' system fast approaching, livestock markets and auctioneers have had to adapt in order to meet the challenges created by Covid-19.
They have to meet the needs of, and continue to provide services to, the farming community, which the livestock auctioneer industry is highly respected for, and rightly so. Well done everyone.
The initial, relatively simple availability to livestream the sales quickly satisfied vendors, who were able to see their stock sold and make the inevitable comments on the trade that day.
Shortly after followed live bidding, which allowed purchasers to ‘attend' the sales from the safety and comfort of their own homes, with sales at North West Auctions regularly attracting more than 2,000 viewers from all over the UK.
Not only vendors have been watching, but also aspiring young farmers and retired farmers keen to keep their eye in. This has proved to be a hugely popular addition to livestock markets and whether it be live sale time bidding or timed machinery sales, it is hard to see how these sales methods have not firmly cemented themselves in the auctioneering industry.
This year's prices have started off from the strong platform set at the end of 2020, with vendors regularly seeing stock sell well above expectations.
Cull cows are selling at some of the highest rates of recent years, with North West Auctions regularly seeing more than 150 forward at its weekly sale.
Beef cows have recently been achieving 215p/kg and £1,540, dairy cows have been selling to 160p/kg and £1,320, showing yet another instance of age being no barrier to keeping up with the younger generation.
Strong stores are generally selling at £1,200-£1,400, yearlings £900-£1,100, with stronger rearing calves
regularly selling for more than £400.
Livestock auctioneers will continue to adapt to the challenges which are presented before them, ensuring
all stock is providing maximum return for producers who continue to support us, choosing to sell live and thrive.
Matthew Probert
Matthew Probert is auctioneer, valuer and land agent at North West Auctions. Call 01539 566 219, or email [email protected]
