This is the time of year I always look forward to, the buzz and thrill of the breeding sheep sale season, but this year feels different, and it would be remiss of me not to also reflect on the challenges facing our industry at one of the most crucial times of the year for livestock sales.
Working in the Northwest of England we are fortunate enough to have fields that still resemble a healthy shade of green, but I don’t have to travel far to see that picture change dramatically, and on a recent trip to the Southwest of England, the harsh reality of the ongoing drought was clear.
Bluetongue outbreak
On top of what was already proving a challenging summer, the Bluetongue disease outbreak has only compounded matters further, increasing the financial, mental and physical strain on farmers faced with urgently treating sick livestock and sourcing vaccine. The lack of capacity for government testing and information sharing fails to paint the full picture of the outbreak, limited vaccine supply and price variation only adds to the frustration.
Despite the uncertainty the industry is facing, the live auction ring continues to prove its value and resilience. Remarkably, against the backdrop of the ongoing drought, the Bluetongue disease outbreak and ever-increasing financial constraints, buyer demand remains high and the breeding sheep trade in marts across the country is strong.
From north to south, reports indicate averages for North of England Mule shearlings are nearer £300 per head than £250, with many centres reporting increases on the year of up to £73 per head. That’s the power of supply and demand and the live auction ring is uniquely positioned to draw together buyers, generating demand against an increasingly reduced supply, that sets the standard and ensures your livestock achieves true market value.
Vaccination premium
Breeding sheep vaccinated against Bluetongue BTV-3 have attracted a premium and the message from auctioneers across the country is clear, to meet buyer demand, boost sales and protect your flock, vaccination is the best course of action. Whilst vaccine supply is low, producers are recommended to seek advice from their local vets and place orders where appropriate to boost demand for incoming supply.
Prime lamb producers who sold in the early part of the season benefited from impressive prices, up by 30% on the year. Whilst a drop in prices is always expected as increasing numbers come to market, in the last 30 days we’ve seen Prime lamb prices drop back as much as 8% on the year as the hot summer effects consumer demand both at home and abroad.
Yet, when Prime stock is ready, it’s always best to get it to market. Other sales outlets might show resistance in challenging times, but the live auction ring is trading week in and week out, allowing you to cash in when stock is in prime condition, boosting cashflow when on farm budgets might be under pressure.
Farming community support
It’s true what they say, in farming no two years are alike, but the live auction ring is consistent in its unwavering support for the farming community. Whether you are buying, selling, or simply going for a look, get yourself to market. It’s more than a marketplace, it’s a vital community hub where you can be surrounded by others who understand what you’re facing, and a simple conversation can change everything.
In the past, farming has faced many significant challenges, yet industry has always pulled through and against all odds, continues to thrive. So, we can be reassured that we’ve done it before, so we will do it again, because together we’re stronger.