DAIRY FARMING’S ‘GREATEST CHALLENGE’
FARMERS should take advantage of the knowledge and resources available through their local livestock auctioneers, according to industry leaders, amidst the recent disruption and chaos witnessed at Britain’s busiest ports.
While export markets to the EU were temporarily closed last week as France shut its border with the UK in a bid to halt the spread of a new mutant strain of coronavirus, the Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA) says a strong home market demand has provided a welcome boost.
Auctioneers across the country, including in the South West, have been closely monitoring the situation, as they have throughout the pandemic, keeping farmers abreast of a constantly evolving situation, exacerbated by the delays and disruptions at UK ports.
Chris Dodds, executive secretary of the LAA, which the represents auctioneering firms that occupy and run livestock markets across the UK, said that despite the challenges to the export trade, at least in the short term, the strong home market points to the opportunities farmers can exploit, with the support of their livestock auction market.
Speaking last week, he said: “We have seen an excellent trade this week, and it is important this buoyant home market is supplied. This thriving local market will remain for the foreseeable future, particularly in light of the new tier announcements and travel restrictions.”
Booming red meat sales, as consumers choose to treat themselves at home following the closure of pubs and restaurants, presents further opportunities for farmers to capitalise on the demand for “home-sourced, high quality UK produce”, Mr Dodds added.
He continued: “It is a captive audience, and if this pandemic has taught us nothing else, it is the fact that the consumer is taking great comfort in having access to homesourced, high quality UK produce, basing their preferences on the provenance and high standard of animal welfare guaranteed in the UK.
“Speak to your auctioneer and work with your market to be aware of demand. Markets have been supporting farmers and maintaining a competitive trade throughout the pandemic and will continue to do so as we look ahead to the early part of 2021, and the additional challenges of a post-Brexit environment.”