Primestock sales show big increase

11:13am Thursday 1st February 2007

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A substantial increase in the number of prime cattle sold by auctioneers McCartneys in 2006 lifted throughput to 41,150 head - a rise of more than 7,000 animals compared with the previous year.

Sheep numbers sold through McCartneys' five sale centres in the west Midlands and Wales have also shown a big increase. During 2006, the company handled 535,292 head of prime sheep, compared with 497,599 in 2005.

Commenting on the 2006 figures, Glyn Owens, auctioneer and member of McCartneys' board, said both beef finishers and store cattle sellers would look back on the year as a turning point.

"Those who trade in stores and those who sell prime cattle have all been smiling during 2006. Cattle bought in late 2005 have left a decent margin and the resumption of beef exports has brought renewed confidence - a situation we believe will continue during 2007."

But Mr Owens said sheep producers had faced a difficult year. Although the exceptional weather had worked in favour of those with lambs to finish in the early part of the summer, a shortage of late summer and autumn keep pushed up production costs set against a disappointing prime lamb trade.

"Despite the lacklustre sheep trade, 2006 has given the first hint of an improvement in farming's fortunes. The industry is now coming to terms with the implications of the Single Farm Payment and farmers are reappraising their businesses accordingly."

McCartneys conducted almost 40 pedigree livestock sales during 2006 and are looking forward to their involvement with the British Charolais Cattle Society in 2007, when they officiate at a new fixture at Brecon in spring.