Scotland’s livestock markets have been praised for their ability to get back to business in record time after last week’s unprecedented weather conditions.
President of the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland, Scott Donaldson said:
“Scotland’s marts have shown tremendous resilience despite awful conditions to get back to business. Farmers are dependent on the income they make from selling stock so the ability to keep the markets going is of huge significance to them.
“The industry should be praised for the efforts taken to minimise closures and in some instances avoid closure altogether to ensure farmers have access to services critical to their livelihood.”
Aberdeen and Northern Marts were able to operate Thainstone Markets despite most of the country being on shutdown after the Beast from the East gripped the country resulting in the first ever red weather warning.
John Gregor, Director of Aberdeen and Northern Marts added:
“Fortunately we were outside the red warning area so despite tricky conditions we took the decision that it was safe to stay open and run the Royal Northern Spring Show followed by two sale days.
“We were aware the country was short of sheep but farmers went above and beyond to get stock to market to meet demand and they were rewarded with some great sale prices illustrating the power of the auction system in driving prices up.”
Livestock prices have risen notably in recent days as a result of a number of market closures last week due to a lack of available stock.
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Notes to Editors
The Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS) is the representative body for livestock markets, valuers and auctioneers across Scotland. We fight for the interests of those markets and the central role they play in the working of the rural and agricultural economy.
The Institute advances the interests of our membership and the wider sector through:
- Promoting the livestock market system as the only transparent way to secure the best price and guaranteed payment for everyone playing their part in the rural economy
- Working with politicians and governments to influence regulations so that they strengthen Scotland’s farming industry
- Promoting the achievements of our diverse client base, speaking out on their behalf on the many challenges they face
- Collating and making available the latest information on prices achieved across Scotland’s markets, providing a critical real-time insight into the agricultural economy
- Developing a solid education and examination structure to nurture new talent for livestock auction markets
- Providing an indispensible social hub for farmers and farming communities
For further information, please contact Message Matters: Peter Duncan 07740 469949 or peter@messagematters.co.uk or Louise Robertson 07930 539832 or louise@messagematters.co.uk