Auctioneers throw lifeline to restricted herds

摘要

Livestock auction markets are throwing an invaluable lifeline to beef and dairy herds struggling with high stocking rates, and sometimes poor cashflow, due to bovine TB restrictions. Autumn 2010 saw the first licensed TB-restricted sales, which the Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA) says provides stricken herds with a vital oudet for surplus beef and dairy stock."The only other way to sell stock from a herd under TB restrictions prior to that was through private sale to a licensed unit - not easy and not a fair system either," says auctioneer Richard Gwilliam, from Herefordshire-based McCartneys.