Crofting Matters – Selling Stock

Selling livestock this autumn and winter? We have some wise words from Sarah Balfour on what to think about and how to navigate the auction mart system. This is the time of year for sales of breeding and store cattle and sheep. Sarah and Siobhan discuss the current beef and sheep markets and tips on presentation. Siobhan also speaks to John William Gillies of the North Rasaay Sheep Stock Club, who discusses how they batch lambs at the mart, and the popular Portree sale of store calves.

For further information, have a look at this webinar which details buyer’s requirements, feed conversion and handy tips: https://www.fas.scot/publication/going-to-market-managing-your-stock-in-preparation-for-selling/ and you might also be interested in this case study, which although not in a crofting area, describes how Nigel Millar sells his AA & BSH store calves to a finisher: https://www.fas.scot/publication/fas-beef-supply-chain-case-study-co-operative-strategy-finishes-cattle-in-the-scottish-borders/

Sarah mentions Agribusiness News, which is a publication with up-to-date monthly market and policy intelligence for farmers and crofters: https://www.fas.scot/rural-business/agribusiness-news/

Linked FAS resources:

A Guide to Buying and Selling at the Mart – https://www.fas.scot/downloads/a-guide-to-buying-and-selling-at-the-mart/

Croft & Small Farms: Store Livestock – Adding Value in Presentation – https://www.fas.scot/downloads/croft-small-farms-store-livestock-adding-value-in-presentation/

Small Lambs – A Problem or an Opportunity for Crofters and Smallholders? –https://www.fas.scot/downloads/small-lambs-a-problem-or-an-opportunity-for-crofters-and-smallholders/