FARMERS are seeing best returns and reaching a wider buying audience for a vast array of cows by utilising the live sales ring, leading auctioneers across the country state.

With average deadweight cow prices falling, the liveweight market has remained strong as buyers take advantage of the wider choice, fluidity and transparency offered by the live sales ring.

Bernie Hutchinson, managing director and auctioneer of Barbers Auctions at Market Drayton said: “The livestock market is not uniformed like it is selling direct to processors.

"It’s a much broader brush, there is a vast array of commodity and the market can cater for everything.

“The deadweight market will only want certain specifications, but the livestock doors are always open, there is something for everyone, and everything for someone.

"It is a commodity that is easier on the hoof, than it is on the hook.”

Charlie Coleman of Frome Livestock Auctioneers said: “In terms of throughput, we have seen trade back to the numbers of two or three years ago, selling to the same or even showing an improvement.”

Mr Coleman believes the key is the fact that the market is always there.

“Abattoirs don’t want cattle every week," he said.

"Markets, however, are showing a fair trade every week, because they are meeting a demand, and that is creating a selling opportunity."

Jonny Dymond of Halls Shrewsbury Livestock Auction Centre agreed, adding: “At Shrewsbury we have witnessed much keener interest for fleshed cows in recent weeks, with both foreign and UK tagged cows achieving in excess of £1,000 most weeks though our ring. "The auction moves in line with the trade week in week out and with current changes in the market the best option will be to sell live and thrive.”

Chris Dodds, executive secretary of the Livestock Auctioneers’ Association said: “The message is clear.

"Support your local livestock market, it is supporting you, year-round.”