A group of farmers has called for markets to stop selling prime lambs by auction and to become collection centres instead.

Reflecting the general mood of disappointment among farmers at the disastrous prices for lambs sold at auction in recent months, the group has sent a letter to auctioneers outlining their vision of a new way forward.

Auctioneer Jack Clark of John Swan dismissed the group’s ideas. “To get the best price you need to have competition and the best competition is in the auction ring. The seller then has the option of deciding if he wants to accept the price.”

Clark went on to point out that much of what the so-called “Carlisle Group” proposed was already done by auctioneers. “We endeavour to ensure that livestock are presented in uniform lots.

Posted: 01|12|08 at 10:15 am. Filed under: UK News.