Marts on the move - the livestock markets thriving despite industry pressures.

Against a backdrop of tightening margins, evolving policy changes, and continued uncertainty across supply chains, livestock markets remain one of the most reliable indicators of farmer confidence, and in 2025, that confidence has held firm. 

Figures from the Livestock Auctioneers’ Association (LAA) show that between 1 January and 30 September 2025, a total of 110,330 prime cattle and 3.5 million prime sheep were sold through the live auction rings of England and Wales, generating strong values across both sectors. Average prices for prime cattle reached £2,279 per head, a rise of more than £590 on the year, while prime sheep maintained a steady average of £145, with throughput up by over 200,000 head compared to the same period in 2024.

The strength of the cattle trade was also reflected in store cattle, where prices climbed sharply. Between January and September 2025,  413,000 store cattle sold at an average of £1,518 , up more than £420 on the year, demonstrating a clear link between the buoyant prime cattle trade and continued demand for quality store stock.

Looking specifically at September alone, auction data shows further momentum: average prices for prime cattle rose to £2,316 per head, compared with £1,725 in the same month last year, while prime sheep averaged £139, up from £128 in September 2024.

Although the number of prime cattle sold was slightly lower than in 2024 (down around 3.5%), this modest dip aligns with the latest AHDB estimates, which point to a broader national reduction in slaughter numbers, underlining the ongoing importance of the live auction system in maintaining transparent, competitive prices even in a contracting market.

LAA Executive Secretary Chris Dodds said the latest figures demonstrate the resilience of the liveweight trade:

“The live auction ring continues to deliver fair, transparent, and competitive returns for farmers, while acting as a vital social and economic hub for rural communities. The strength of trade this year shows that, even amid uncertainty, producers and buyers continue to value the open competition and confidence that live sales provide.”

At Carmarthen, that story of confidence and renewal has been unfolding since Nock Deighton reopened the market in 2022.

With Newcastle Emlyn thriving down the road, auctioneering firm knew there was hunger for Carmarthen market to reopen. Partner and auctioneer Martin Clack describes the transformation: “When Carmarthen closed just before Covid, it left a huge gap for the area. Reopening it was about more than trade, it was about restoring a focal point for local agriculture.”

After a full refurbishment and the employment of local staff, the mart reopened in March 2022, with farmer and rugby referee Nigel Owens presiding over the first sale. Regular weekly fixtures soon followed, creating consistency and trust among vendors and buyers.

The figures now speak for themselves. During the last week of September, Carmarthen handled 400 TB-restricted cattle, 150 dairy cows, 300–400 calves, and more than 5,000 sheep, alongside a machinery sale, plus sales on the Tuesday and Thursday in Newcastle Emlyn. 

High-profile dispersal sales have added momentum, including the ISCOED herd of 207 head in August 2023, and the Gatrog Holstein dispersal of 279 pedigree cows in September 2024, marking the end of 45 years of breeding for Elwyn and Cheryl Thomas.

“Carmarthen has become a genuine agri-business centre,” says Martin. “It’s not just about selling stock, it’s about building relationships, providing advice, and being part of the local community.”

The mart now employs 30 local people and, in January 2025, it launched a land agency and professional services division, headed by Ed Page, to further support regional farmers and landowners.

In the north east, Hexham & Northern Marts has also enjoyed a strong year. Assistant managing director and auctioneer Jack Walton says the key has been teamwork and continuity.

“Overall, we’re up on last year. We’ve had a very good breeding season and consistent demand for both sheep and cattle,” he says. “Store and breeding stock have sold extremely well, and prices have remained strong across the board.” 

Hexham’s expansion into the St John’s Chapel Mart has been particularly successful, giving upland producers in the area an active local outlet. St John’s Chapel conducted its first sale of the year on Saturday 9 August - the earliest ever sale in its 130-year history, presenting a quality entry of 1,231 store lambs averaging £122.84 and to date selling over 9,800 sheep. 

Sales now run every fortnight there, alongside Hexham’s two regular weekly markets and a busy seasonal programme, including seven sales in six days across three sites at the autumn peak.

Improved buyer confidence and the slight easing of Bluetongue restrictions have helped keep trade fluid, with store sheep numbers up year-on-year and fat lambs showing firm demand.

“What keeps Hexham strong is the relationship with our customers,” says Jack. “Our phones are always on, that’s what farmers expect from us. We’re here to give fair prices and honest advice, and that builds trust. There’s a great atmosphere every Friday, and that’s what keeps people coming back.”

Further south, Kivells Holsworthy Market has been setting the pace for calf sales. Traditionally handling around 10,000 calves a year, Holsworthy averaged 12,000–15,000 through 2022–23 and hit 17,000 calves in 2024. This year they are on track to surpass 17,000 calves through the ring and had a record-breaking entry of 611 calves in September this year and are seeing well over 500 calves weekly.

Auctioneer Tim Kivell attributes the buoyant trade to changing systems and consistent buyer demand. “We’ve seen more autumn block-calving herds coming through, which has kept the numbers coming,” he explains. “Quality has been excellent, and prices have reflected that. The calves have averaged £184/head more so far in 2025, compared to 2024.”

“We’ve built a strong reputation for calves, and that’s brought more buyers to the ring,” Tim says. “Even as markets change, there’s real confidence that live trade gives everyone a fair go.”

The success of Carmarthen, Hexham, and Holsworthy reflects a broader sense of resilience across the mart network. While supply has tightened and operating costs continue to rise, throughput and turnover figures show that the live auction system remains a cornerstone of fair trade for British livestock farmers.

As Chris Dodds puts it: 

“Even as the national herd and flock contract, the live ring is responding dynamically to market forces - it’s that adaptability that gives it strength.”

Across all regions, marts continue to represent something more than a trading floor. They are meeting points, information hubs, and community anchors, vital in maintaining social connection in an industry where isolation remains a challenge. And at many marts now, health hubs are a regular feature. These are drop-in clinics providing free and confidential health checks, advice, and mental wellbeing support for farmers and farm workers. 

At Carmarthen, the café is full on sale days; at Hexham, the Friday mart hums with conversation; and at Holsworthy, buyers and vendors travel from across the south west to meet face to face.

“Farmers come to sell stock, of course,” says Martin Clack, “but they also come to see familiar faces and catch up. That’s part of what keeps the industry strong.”

With investment in technology, infrastructure, and people, livestock markets are continuing to adapt to modern farming needs. Online bidding, professional advice services, and specialist sales are helping broaden their appeal, while their roots in local agriculture remain unchanged.

As Martin Clack sums it up: “You’re only as good as your last sale - but when the ring is full, the buyers are bidding, and the café’s buzzing, you know the mart’s doing its job.”