Increase in livestock going to auction marts

The number of cattle and sheep going through Scotland’s auction marts has increased.

Figures released by the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS) show a 1.91% increase in the number of animals sold last year to 2.730 million.

“Markets were dependent on livestock production and last year found recent downward trends in throughput and value in some cases has been reversed which is more encouraging for the industry,” said the institute’s outgoing president, Willie McCulloch, of Lawrie and Symington.

“The livestock value through our corporate members levelled at just under £512m – an increase of £77,879.

“Store stock throughput value fell by £247,720 and prime stock throughput rose by £325,799.”

He said the number of sheep handled by marts had increased by 2.36% to 2.34m, while cattle numbers increased by 1.5% to 387,997.

“In the prime cattle and OTM sector, numbers fell by 7.43% to 83,805 with a value of £72.6m,” added Mr McCulloch.

“Prime and cast sheep numbers fell by 0.85% but their value rose by £2.5m, or 2.74%.

“Store, breeding and dairy cattle numbers were up 1.1% selling 287,673 although values saw a drop of 3.49% to £255.9m.

“Store and breeding sheep numbers rose to 958,281 to a value of £58.8m, up 10.73%.”

Mr McCulloch retired from the role of president at the institute’s annual meeting in Edinburgh. He was replaced by Harrison and Hetherington sales director Scott Donaldson.

The institute also elected well-known industry stalwart David Leggat of United Auctions as an honorary member.