View from the Rostrum: Alastair Brown, LAA Policy& Strategy Officer

I’ve have now been in my new role as Policy and Strategy Officer for the Livestock Auctioneers’ Association for just over a month. My journey in livestock markets began back in 1989, and it’s hard to believe that 35 years have flown by. Like many industries, agriculture has seen its fair share of ups and downs, but it remains one of the most resilient sectors. From disease outbreaks to fluctuating demand for our livestock products, markets continue to adapt and endure, even when its importance is sometimes overlooked, with open and transparent bidding in a public centre.

A good friend recently asked me, “Why are you leaving auctioneering now, when prices are at record highs and demand is booming, to take on a policy role during a time of disease outbreaks and border control challenges?” I must admit, it did feel like a questionable career move at first.

New auctioneers are becoming increasingly rare, which is why it was so encouraging to meet a strong team of young professionals at the Next Generation Social during the Thame Sheep Fair. Auctioneering is a unique profession that offers a rewarding lifestyle and long-term career opportunities, but fewer people are stepping into the role compared to when I started. The LAA has been proactive in addressing this, running the Livestock Operations & Management course at Harper Adams University for many years. Many students have gone on to make a real impact in the industry, and I’m hopeful that we’ll continue to see fresh talent coming through to carry the torch forward.

The Livestock Auctioneers’ Association plays a vital role in supporting auction markets in ways that may not be immediately visible to many who attend. One key initiative is MartSafe, a programme designed to promote health and safety across livestock markets. It provides tailored guidance and training for all market staff, covering four essential modules: animal behaviour, safe handling, people behaviour and animal Welfare. These modules are delivered through engaging exercises, practical tasks, and relevant video content, all led by experienced LAA trainers directly within the market environment. Since its launch, it has delivered to over 150 in-person training sessions, reaching more than 3,500 participants.

Looking ahead, the future of auctioneering is brighter than ever. We’re seeing unprecedented demand outstripping supply, with prices consistently breaking previous records. This reinforces the value of the live ring, not only as a mechanism for achieving the best prices and offering buyers real choice, but also as a rural hub, a place where like-minded individuals come together. Many auction marts now have agricultural stores, making them one-stop destinations for farmers’ needs.

The future of farming looks promising, even as climate change continues to challenge traditional practices. Farmers often say, “It’s either too wet or too dry,” and while that may sound like a cliché, it reflects the reality of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. Fortunately, here in the UK, we currently enjoy more favourable conditions than many of our counterparts in southern Europe. This allows us to continue feeding cattle and sheep on grass which is a relatively cost-effective method that also aligns with consumer preferences for naturally raised livestock.

From a trade perspective, we are witnessing prices which are reaching heights never seen before, and the demand for British livestock remains strong. Lamb exports have surged by over 10% compared to this time last year, while beef slaughtering’s have decreased by 4%, with a remarkable 85% of beef being exported. These figures highlight the strength of our international reputation and the quality of our produce.

Finally our Market Prices Dashboard is a tool designed to help buyers and sellers make informed decisions. This platform provides access to current and historical price data, allowing farmers to time their sales effectively and understand market trends. The dashboard includes detailed breakdowns by weight bands, breeds, and graphical insights for easy viewing. It’s continually updated and available via the LAA website, offering transparency and guidance in an ever-changing market.