Western Morning News (Saturday)
Markets for more than livestock, report finds
THE vital role of livestock markets in tackling social isolation and improving the mental health and wellbeing of their visitors has been highlighted in a new report.
Commissioned by the Prince’s Countryside Fund (PCF), the research identifies a number of different ways that markets – including those dotted throughout the South West – add value to their local communities.
Though no blanket model exists which determines their success, More than a Mart shows that from running health surgeries to Christmas carol services, venues for training to farm shops, markets are far more than just a place to buy and sell livestock.
The 93-page report, carried out by Dr Caroline Nye, Professor Matt Lobley and Professor Michael Winter from the University of Exeter, was launched at an event with the PCF’s founder and patron, the Prince of Wales, last week.
Dr Caroline Nye, research fellow at the Centre for Rural Policy Research, University of Exeter, and lead author of the report, explained: “The livestock auction mart is one of the few places left where members of the agricultural community can congregate together on a regular basis and share their experiences.”
As farmers become more and more isolated from each other, as well as from their customer, Dr Nye said the importance of these spaces has become “so much greater than that of their original purpose”.
She added: “They are key hubs from which members of the agricultural community can be supported to become more resilient both in terms of business and of health, and they should be recognised, utilised and supported as such.”
An example of this outlined in the report is Cutcombe Market in Devon. Run by Exmoor Farmers Livestock
Auctions, it acts as the headquarters for the Exmoor Hill Farming Network (EHFN), an independent, 100% farmer led organisation which works with more than 300 local farming families. Established in 2014, the EHFN offers a range of services to its members, including information, training and demonstrations, plus support groups for women and younger farmers.
The research found that as many as one in five market visitors come for social reasons alone, and they offer solutions to the issue of poor mental health within the industry – from rural chaplains based at marts, to auction mart managers who are regarded as a trusted source of knowledge.
It also urges farmers to engage with support services and social activities at their local market, and take advantage of events, training and other support measures available.
Chris Dodds, executive secretary of the Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA), added: “We welcome the Prince’s Countryside Fund report, which highlights that livestock markets continue to be at the heart of the rural community, not only in playing an integral part in the red meat supply chain in providing the much valued independent, transparent, open and competitive forum used to determine the true market value of livestock, but also through providing a myriad of alternative services and support for the local farming community.
“The findings and recommendations will assist auctioneering businesses throughout the UK to prepare and equip their businesses for the many changes we all face, ensuring that the services and support they provide to the rural community continue to develop and prosper.”