Britain’s livestock markets are the backbone of our farming industry. From historic town-centre sites that have served generations of farmers to modern purpose-built centres with state-of-the-art facilities (with live auction streams), each mart has its own story to tell.
These markets do more than just sell livestock – they’re meeting places and trading hubs for farmers near and far. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just catching up with fellow farmers over a cup of tea in the cafe, marts remain at the heart of rural communities across the country.
Evangate FS helps farmers arrange livestock finance before they arrive at the market. We’ve even been known to secure finance while bidding is going on. If you need a loan or to refinance equipment to free up cash, please get in touch.
Here are a few of Britain’s key livestock markets.
United Auctions (UA Livestock Limited)
United Auctions has been at the heart of Scottish farming since 1858 when it started by selling livestock from farm to farm. Today, it is Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneer, with marts stretching from Stirling to the Western Isles.
Their flagship site at Stirling Agricultural Centre opened in 2009, and it’s here they host the world-famous Stirling Bull Sales. The Centre has witnessed some remarkable prices – including a record 60,000 guineas for an Aberdeen-Angus bull back in 1963 (a record that still stands).
These prestigious events now run three times a year – February, May and October and feature the cream of British pedigree breeds, including Aberdeen-Angus, Beef Shorthorn, Charolais, Simmental, Limousin, British Blue, British Blonde, Salers and Highland bulls.
Undoubtedly one of the largest marts with over £190 million worth of sales each year – helping more than 18,000 farmers/customers across the UK and Europe.
Their services go beyond the auction ring. They offer farm-to-farm and farm-to-abattoir marketing, rural property sales, and finance options. Their team can help with everything from valuation to finding the right market for your stock.
Their network of marts also includes Huntly, Lairg, Dalmally, Oban, Tiree, Islay, and South Uist. Each location plays a vital role in their local farming community, with notable results, such as £200,000 for a Blackface ram lamb at Dalmally.
To discover more about UA, call them on 01786 473055 or visit https://www.uagroup.co.uk/
Pentland Livestock Auctions
Some of the best businesses start with someone who lives and breathes their industry.
Graham Burke grew up getting his hands dirty on his family’s farm in the Pentland Hills, just outside Edinburgh. He spent a good 20 years working for a major auctioneering firm – and got to know pretty much everyone worth knowing in British farming during that time.
Back in 2013, Graham decided it was time to take the plunge and start his own venture based in Kirriemuir at Hillhead Business Park.
If you need help buying or selling livestock or new machinery or need someone to do farm valuations, Graham is worth speaking to. Pentland Livestock also offers online auctions (live streams), where you can bid on everything from tractors to dairy cows from the comfort of your farmhouse.
Whether you’re a small-scale farmer looking for expert advice or a large agricultural operation seeking more livestock, Pentland Livestock Ltd. offers the personal touch that only a family-run business can provide.
For more information and to register for their livestock online auctions, visit https://www.pentlandlivestock.co.uk/
Leyburn Auction Mart
Some of the most resilient businesses are those that stand firm through challenging times.
Leyburn Livestock Auction Mart, located on Richmond Road, Leyburn, Yorkshire, has proven to be a cornerstone of the agricultural community. Under the leadership of Robert Dixon and Peter Dobbing, the mart continues to serve farmers across Yorkshire.
The experienced team is headed by Senior Auctioneer Stephen Walker, supported by William Bramham as Assistant Auctioneer and Dan Watson, who joins them as Junior Auctioneer.
What sets Leyburn apart is its commitment to quality and compliance – it’s fully Farm Assured under the ABM Livestock Auction Mart Scheme (SAI Global registration number 567). Farmers looking for beef cattle, sheep, breeding stock, or dairy cattle should make sure to check its online catalogue for the latest auction dates.
If you’re a local farmer looking to buy or sell livestock, Leyburn Auction Mart offers that traditional Yorkshire welcome combined with professional service.
For more information, contact them at https://leyburnauctions.com/
Malton Livestock Auctioneers
Formed through a partnership between Cundalls and Boulton & Cooper, these auctioneers are in the heart of Yorkshire. From their base in the market town of Malton, they conduct weekly sales of fatstock and store animals, including sheep and cattle, alongside several specialist annual sales.
The mart prides itself on delivering good old-fashioned service. But what sets Malton Livestock Auctioneers apart is they always put their customers first. Whether you’re bringing sheep or cattle to market, their experienced and friendly team ensures you get the attention and service your animals deserve.
Regular weekly sales keep the agricultural community connected, while their specialist annual sales attract buyers and sellers nationwide. For farmers looking for a reliable mart with traditional values, Malton offers both expertise and accessibility.
To find out more about Malton Auctioneers, view their website https://maltonlivestockauctioneers.co.uk/
Selby Livestock Auction Market
Selby Livestock Auction Mart runs bustling weekly Wednesday fatstock sales, where farmers gather from early morning – gates open at 5:30 am, with sales starting for pigs at 9 am, sheep at 9:45 am, and cattle at 10:30 am. Their fortnightly Saturday store sales are equally popular, offering a range of store cattle, sheep, and pigs.
The mart’s facilities go beyond just auction rings. They offer cleansing and disinfecting services on sale days and by arrangement. The on-site canteen serves hearty hot meals and snacks Wednesday through Saturday, where farmers discuss business over a warm cuppa.
Their location off the Selby Bypass has made the mart easily accessible from all directions. Plus, Abbey Country Feeds operates an on-site shop stocking animal feeds and livestock sundries, making it a true one-stop shop for farmers.
The mart’s recent sales figures speak for themselves – regularly handling hundreds of head of stock (including cattle, sheep, and pigs) – resulting in competitive prices and plenty of choice for buyers.
Contact them on 01757 703347 or online at https://www.selbymart.co.uk/
Rugby Farmers Mart
RFM Ltd has become one of the Midlands’ most trusted names in livestock sales, and we can see why. Founded in 2006 by a group of 250 local farmers, the mart operates from a state-of-the-art facility at the National Agricultural Centre at Stoneleigh Park.
When you step into their market, you’ll find a group who’ve spent their lives in British farming, understanding every challenge and opportunity that comes with running a farm.
The market’s recent performance shows impressive results. Heifers and steers have broken the £3,000 barrier. Sheep trade remains strong too, with hoggs and ewes reaching above average prices – a signal of the quality of stock they attract.
But it’s not just about the numbers. Their sales calendar includes weekly Monday sales of prime and cull stock and bi-weekly store cattle sales. The facility can accommodate over nine hundred store cattle and supports special breeding sheep, suckled calves, and store cattle fairs throughout the year.
These aren’t just auctions – they’re gatherings where the farming community comes together and where relationships are built. It’s good to know there are still places where a handshake means something and where your livestock is in capable hands.
To find out about upcoming sales and recent market reports, visit https://www.rugbyfarmersmart.com
Mitchell Livestock Auctioneers & Valuers
Mitchells has been serving the farming community through its impressive £multi-million Lakeland Livestock Centre in Cockermouth since 2002.
When you visit Mitchells, you’ll find yourself in one of the country’s leading livestock markets – in particular, they are recognised for Herdwick sheep.
Their state-of-the-art centre connects local producers with buyers from across the UK. It doesn’t matter if you’re a small-scale farmer or a large producer, Mitchells offers the platform to market your livestock effectively to breeders, feeders and abattoirs nationwide.
Beyond their regular auction sales, they offer services including:
- Farm-to-farm private sales
- Deadweight marketing through their network of abattoir contacts
- On-farm sales of stock and machinery
- Crop sales – from hay and straw to silage
- Professional valuations for both live and dead stock
The market’s success is evident in its recent achievements, with its Christmas Prime Stock Champion 2024 and January Show & Sale Champion showcasing the quality of livestock that passes through its rings.
For more information about upcoming sales and market reports, visit https://www.mitchellsauction.co.uk or call 01900 822016.
Border Livestock Exchange
Established in 1995, Border Livestock Exchange Ltd operates from its office at Kings Mount, Ramparts Business Park in Berwick Upon Tweed. Its on-farm services include cattle and sheep sales, machinery, farm sales, and live online auctions (which attract bidders from all over the UK and Europe). It also handles specialised sales, including rams, grass parks, and straw bales.
For more information about upcoming sales and market reports, contact them on 01289 306 067 or visit https://www.borderlivestock.co.uk
York Auction Centre
Their auction centre is located at Murton Lane, just outside York, and offers more than just livestock sales.
They handle a diverse range of auctions, including:
- Livestock and rare breeds
- Machinery and horticultural equipment
- Vintage items and bygones
- Household and workshop items
- Saddlery and tack
Their modern site features a 12,500 sq ft indoor Exhibition Hall and 16 acres of outdoor space, complete with a stoned road network. Visitors benefit from a licensed cafe, overnight parking for lorries and motor homes, plus self-storage options. For transporters, there are lorry wash bays and loading facilities with handling equipment.
For more information about upcoming sales and events, contact York Auction Centre on 01904 489731 or visit https://www.ylc.co.uk
Harrison & Hetherington (Carlisle)
Harrison & Hetherington’s Borderway Mart in Carlisle has been at the heart of livestock trading since 1870, growing to become one of the UK’s largest and leading livestock centres.
Located just off Junction 43 of the M6, their purpose-built 900m² Exhibition Hall is one of the largest venues in the North of England, hosting everything from trade fairs and training events to balls and concerts. The venue has over 1,000 parking spaces and the Borderway Cafe (serving homemade food).
As part of H&H Group PLC’s network of seven marts across Northern England and the Scottish Borders, Borderway handles a significant portion of the group’s 800,000 annual livestock sales. Regular events include weekly prime stock sales alongside specialist store and breeding sales.
The Mart offers both live ring streaming and digital timed auctions through its MartEye platform while maintaining old-school auctions that have served farmers for over 150 years.
Their flagship Borderway Agri Expo has become one of the UK’s largest agricultural events, celebrating the best of British livestock breeding and farming innovation.
For more information about upcoming sales or venue hire, contact their main sales office on 01228 406 200 or at https://harrisonandhetherington.co.uk/
Livestock Auction Live Streams
Live streaming lets buyers bid on livestock without being at the mart in person. They can watch the sale ring in real time on their phone, tablet, or computer. Many marts now offer this service alongside traditional in-person bidding, giving buyers more flexibility and helping markets/exchanges reach a wider audience across the UK and Europe.
We have listed some of the more popular live auction streams below:
- https://streaming.auctionmarts.com/
- https://www.marteye.ie/
- https://streaming.auctionmarts.com/bagshaws
- https://benthamauction.co.uk/live-auction/
- https://www.livestock-live.com/Locations-Livestock
- https://harrisonandhetherington.co.uk/online-sales/live-stream-bidding/
- https://lawrieandsymington.com/live-auctions/
FAQs
How does a livestock auction work?
Before the sale:
- Farmers bring their livestock to the mart on sale day (or sometimes the day before)
- Animals are sorted into appropriate lots and penned
- Each lot is given a unique ID number
- Sellers complete paperwork confirming the animals are fit for sale and provide any required movement documentation
- Buyers can inspect the stock before bidding begins
During the sale:
- Lots are brought into the sale ring one at a time
- The auctioneer describes key details about the animals (breed, age, weight, etc.)
- Buyers bid by catching the auctioneer’s eye – often just a nod or a raised finger
- The auctioneer keeps track of competing bids, encouraging buyers to increase theirs
- The lot is sold to the highest bidder with the fall of the gavel
After the sale:
- Buyers pay for their purchases through the mart office
- The mart handles the payment to sellers, usually within a few days
- New owners arrange the collection of their stock
- The mart provides the necessary paperwork for moving animals to their new location
This system ensures fair prices through open competition, with marts acting as a trusted middle-man between buyers and sellers.
Livestock Auction Rules
When buying or selling at a livestock market, there are some important rules to follow:
For sellers:
- All livestock must be tagged and have the correct paperwork
- Animals must be fit and healthy for sale
- Food Chain Information (FCI) forms must be completed
- Movement licenses must be provided
- Delivery times must be observed
For buyers:
- Must be registered with the mart before bidding
- Payment is usually required on sale day
- Livestock must be collected within agreed timeframes
- Transport must comply with welfare regulations
General Rules:
- Marts must comply with DEFRA biosecurity measures
- Animals must be handled according to welfare standards
- Only authorised personnel are allowed in penning areas
- The auctioneer’s decision is final on disputed bids
Most marts are members of the Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA) and follow their code of practice.
How many livestock markets are there in the UK?
There are around 110 livestock auction markets across England and Wales, plus additional markets in Scotland (25) and Northern Ireland.
How long do livestock auctions last?
Livestock auctions vary in length depending on the type of sale and number of animals entered. Here are some example timings:
- Prime stock sales (finished cattle and sheep for slaughter) usually start early morning, around 7–8 am for livestock drop-off, with selling beginning around 10 am and often finishing by early afternoon.
- Store sales (younger animals for further feeding) can be larger, sometimes lasting all day, especially at major seasonal sales when thousands of animals might be sold.
- Special breeding sales, like pedigree bull or ram sales, often run longer due to the higher values involved, with each animal given more time in the ring.
Most regular weekly sales are finished by mid-afternoon, allowing time for paperwork and livestock collection before the end of the working day.
Are livestock sales vatable?
Animals sold for food production in the UK are zero-rated (0% VAT). This includes:
- Cattle, sheep and pigs for meat
- Animals that produce food (like dairy cows or laying hens)
However, VAT is charged on:
- The mart’s commission and handling fees
- Animals not typically used for food in the UK (like horses)
- Ornamental birds and fish
It’s worth noting that even if an animal is VAT-rated when alive, it’s zero-rated once it becomes meat for human consumption. It is best to check with your accountant for the most up-to-date VAT rules and rates.
Livestock Sales
If you need to arrange finance for breeding stock, dairy cattle, sheep, tups, or pullets, the team at Evangate FS can help you no matter where you are in the UK.
Contact us today for a quick chat or a free quote.
