Access to the European market, regulatory burden and an agricultural policy that delivers confidence - these are the key issues for livestock farmers post-Brexit. That was the unanimous message from livestock chairmen from all four UK farming unions following a meeting in London to discuss the potential impact on the beef and lamb sectors of the vote to leave the EU.
Speaking after the meeting, NFU Scotland Livestock Committee Chairman, Charlie Adam said: "We are working on solutions for the top three topics - trade, regulation and farm support. On trade, our livestock farmers, particularly sheep, need access to European markets to support our production and price, while the quality of our beef merits trade arrangements that recognise existing and potential markets.
"We need to use Brexit as an opportunity to focus support and policy on those doing the farming and to see a move towards more sensible regulation and proportionate policing."
Market round-up
United Auctions sold 319 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 247.5p per kg and an average of 216p (+5.7p on the week), while 367 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 257.2p and levelled at 225.1p (+16p). One-hundred-and-twenty-four store, B&W bullocks sold to 167p and averaged 145.4p (+4.6p).
In the rough ring 136 beef cows sold to £1390 per head and 189p per kg to average 120.7p (-4.7p), while 19 dairy cows peaked at 106.3p and levelled at 87.3p (-6.8p).
C&D Auction Marts Ltd had 15 prime cattle forward in Dumfries on Wednesday when heifers sold to 221.5p and averaged 217.1p, while bullocks peaked at 192.5p and levelled at 161.1p.
There were 71 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows sold to £1024 and 128p to average 112.8p, while dairy cows peaked at £845.60 and 112p to level at 82.4p.
The firm also sold 1185 prime lambs to a top of £90 per head and 214p per kg to average 177.2p (-9p).
The 387 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £112.50 for Texels and average £64.33 (-£5.84), while light ewes peaked at £63.50 for Cheviots and levelled at £48.71 (+£1.21).
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 1134 prime lambs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £90.50 and 195.1p to average 175.5p (-7.1p). The auctioneer reports that while meaty, heavier types remain easy to sell, lean, store lambs are very difficult to cash.
There were also 461 cast sheep forward when ewes sold to £87 for Suffolk crosses and £63 for Blackfaces.
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