Livestock Prince’s fund issues call for
evidence on livestock marts • Auction markets have ‘vital’ rural role • Study will help secure future for marts • Benefits should not be underestimated
A
charity founded by Prince Charles is highlighting the benefits of livestock auction marts to rural communi- ties and the wider economy. The Prince’s Countryside Fund has commissioned academ- ics at Exeter University look at the social benefits UK livestock auctions and the prospects for their future – and how the vital social role of markets can be sup- ported. Jointly funded by the Prince’s fund and the John Oldacre En- dowment, the aim is to ensure that livestock marts are in the best position to deliver the sup- port that the industry requires as the UK prepares to leave the European Union.
‘Vibrant sector’
Carried out by the Centre for Ru- ral Policy Research at Exeter Uni- versity, the research will examine how a viable, socially responsi- ble and vibrant livestock auc- tion mart sector can be encour- aged and supported to the benefit of the countryside. University researchers said
they wanted to hear from auc- tioneers, livestock owners and any other stakeholders who use auction marts as they research the contribution made by the markets to farmers and rural communities. Michael Winter, of Exeter Uni-
versity, said: “We are anxious to hear from all those with a stake and interest in the future of live- stock market in the UK, to help us identify examples of good prac- tice as markets adapt to chang- ing demands and circumstances.”
Grant funding
Evidence submitted to research- ers will be used to support live- stock marts. The Prince’s fund provides more than £1m each year in grant and programme funding to projects across the UK thanks to support from its
34 MIDLAND FARMER • JANUARY 2020 The study aims to help livestock marts prepare for the future, say researchers ‘Peak profit’ for beef cattle
Healthy lower weight cattle fin- ished rapidly are more profita- ble and produce less methane emissions over their lifetime, a Field2Yield study has revealed. The project aimed to develop metrics that would help a farmer identify the point of “peak profit” when an animal should be sold to get maximum returns – and how to improve the herd so offspring would consistently meet proces- sor specifications. Researchers analysed six years of real-world data to de- velop models that would allow farmers to benchmark their per- formance. The study was conduct-
ed by Rothamsted Research and Breedr, a company which has de- veloped a precision livestock app. Historical data along with ad- ditional rump width, length, hip, height and body length measure- ments were analysed. Growth curves were used to compare con- sumption over a lifetime for ani- mals that were the same weight at slaughter. This showed that fast finishers are more profitable. As animals grow larger, their efficiency decreases, said Breedr founder Ian Wheal. This meant giving farmers the tools to make the decision when to send an an- imal off would improve profita-
bility and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Livestock scientist Andrew Cooke said: “You may have two animals that are the same weight at slaughter, but if one of those gained more of its weight earlier in its life, it will have consumed more food and produced more methane during its lifetime.” Breedr is looking for farmers and processors to help develop the technology. Farmers that see com- mercial sustainability as vital to reducing environmental impact of beef production are encouraged to visit the website
www.breedr. co and apply for a trial.
partners, events and donations. The charity leads projects to strengthen farm businesses through its Farm Resilience Pro- gramme – and regularly commis- sions research into the issues and challenges faced by farming fam- ilies, rural communities and busi- nesses across the countryside.
Fund director Claire Saunders
said: “We are aware of the diffi- culties that many of these busi- nesses are facing. We hope that this research will offer practical recommendations to help them prepare for the future and ensure their long term survival.” Chris Dodds, of the Live-
stock Auctioneers’ Association, said the basic principle of a live- stock market was to ensure fair trade for all livestock produc- ers through the competitive and transparent bidding platform of
a live auction ring. But marts also played a crucial role in helping to tackle mental health concerns within rural com- munities. For many, the weekly sale was the only date in the diary for farmers to network and social- ise with colleagues and friends, said Mr Dodds.
“Markets are also a vitally im- portant link in the chain to ensur- ing we continue to see sustainable agricultural and wider rural com- munities. The social and mental health benefits provided by a vi- brant auction mart business are often overlooked but should not be underestimated.”
Submissions should be made
by 28 February. To respond to the call for evidence, visit
www.bit.ly/ AuctionMarts
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