Up and running
SALES of sheep and cattle went ‘ very well’ at United Auctions’ first Oban mart on Tuesday, its ‘delighted’ director said.
SALES of sheep and cattle went ‘very well’ at United Auctions’ first Oban mart on Tuesday, its ‘delighted’ director said, and farmers hope it will keep the standard up.
United Auctions (UA) replaced Caledonian Marts as the operator of Oban Livestock Centre, after a shakeup by shareholders at their AGM on May 30, following complaints of low stock numbers and high commission rates.
UA’s first sale at Oban Livestock Centre (OLC) on Monday (June 13) was conducted by auctioneer Raymond Kennedy.
UA’s managing director George Purves said: ‘The sales have gone very well for both sheep and cattle. It’s been well supported by buyers and sellers. The prices are very good and the numbers are up on the same time last year, and we hope to build on that.’
Donald Young, UA’s north of Scotland managing director, added: ‘ We are pleased to be here. There are a lot of people from all over the country, from Aberdeenshire right down to the Borders. The quality of stock in Oban has always been known, and they are willing to come far for it. There is a good turnout of stock for the time of year. Prices will be well up on the year.’
One lamb and beef buyer from Lerags, Katherine Macdonald of Duntarrin Foods, agreed.
She said: ‘The prices have been very good for the seller. The auctioneer is very good. It is busier, but this is only the second sale of the year. We will have to wait until the season is over.’
A sheep seller, Angus MacLarty of Ardfern, was pleased fat lambs were fetching 45p per kilo more than the same time last year, adding: ‘I came here because it would be the best sale here in the past two to three years.’
OLC chairman Duncan Buchanan reflected: ‘Today has been good. There is a good ringside of buyers and sellers. It is early days. If [ UA] keep this standard up, it is a good decision.’
Oban’s next sale is set for the start of the lamb season on August 15.