Livestock throughput rises as market turnover tops £3bn

Livestock throughput across England and Wales edged up in 2025, with total numbers increasing to 10.76 million total livestock head sold, according to the latest figures from the Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA).

Notably, total market turnover rose significantly to just over £3bn, up £554m year-on-year, and this has never previously exceeded £2.5bn. The uplift highlights both strong demand and significantly improved values across many classes of stock. 

The figures show a rise of 42,000 head compared with 2024, reflecting continued confidence in the live auction system despite a contracting national herd and flock. 

The uplift was largely driven by finished stock, which rose by 86,000 head to 6.83 million compared to 2024. Finished sheep accounted for the majority of this growth, increasing by 78,000 head to 6.52 million, while finished pigs rose by 13,000 head and finished cattle rose by 2,000 head. 

Despite broader national trends showing a declining sheep flock, auction marts continue to demonstrate resilience, with strong engagement from farmers looking to secure competitive prices through selling in the live ring to a wide audience of buyers. Recent AHDB data indicates a national sheep flock down by around 2%, yet mart throughput has held firm - bucking the wider trend.

LAA representatives say this reflects the continued value of the live auction system as a transparent and competitive marketplace, where buyers from across the supply chain compete openly for stock.

“The live ring continues to deliver real value for farmers,” says LAA policy and strategy officer Alastair Brown. “It provides a transparent, competitive marketplace, with a buyer for every type of stock and no hidden deductions, creating genuine opportunities to achieve the best possible price.”

Strong demand for finished stock has been a standout feature of the year, with prime cattle, prime sheep and cull ewes all achieving historically high average values. This trend filtered down the supply chain with store cattle similarly reaching historically high average values. 

In the cattle ring, store and prime values have risen significantly year-on-year, with increases of around £500 per head reported in many cases due to tight global and national supplies. Young calves have also seen strong demand, with some markets achieving exceptional prices of up to £1,000/head, reflecting continued appetite for quality stock despite higher input costs across the sector.

Store and breeding sheep numbers remain under pressure, reflecting long-term contraction in the national flock, while wider cattle numbers have also been influenced by a shrinking suckler herd and shifts within the dairy sector. However, although they’ve dropped in 2026, buoyant milk prices in 2025 supported increased numbers of young dairy-bred cattle entering the system.

The LAA says these figures underline the importance of livestock markets not just in price setting, but in providing access to a broad and competitive buyer base at times when margins are under pressure.

“Markets have been operating for hundreds of years, and they remain as relevant as ever,” says LAA executive secretary, Chris Dodds. “Farmers continue to see the value in the live ring because it consistently delivers competition, transparency and, ultimately, the best possible price.”

Total throughput figures of all classes of livestock through livestock markets in 2025 (England and Wales)

• Store and breeding cattle (incl. dairy) – 725,500
• Store and breeding sheep –   2,927,000
• Store and breeding pigs –   16,000
• Calves –       266,000

• TOTAL STORE & BREEDING –   3,934,500

   

• Finished cattle –   240,000
• Finished sheep –   6,522,000
• Finished pigs –   63,000

• TOTAL FINISHED –   6,825,000

   

• TOTAL LIVESTOCK – 10,759,500
• TOTAL TURNOVER - £ 3,000,464,000.00