Thriving orange markets provide a valuable lifeline to dairy farmers

Through the support of the Livestock Auctioneers’ Association (LAA), Approved TB Dedicated Sales (Orange Markets) represent an important marketplace for TB-affected herds and are producing tremendous results, according to Robert Venner of Sedgemoor Auction Centre.

“The orange markets in general are producing tremendous results for all cattle, with a diverse and solid trade. Although our calf numbers are relatively small, with between 20-50 through our orange markets, the sales produce much better results than vendors would face through forced sales on farm,” he explained.

Elsewhere, Frome Livestock Market initially focussed its orange markets on larger feeding cattle, prime cattle and cull cows. Driven by demand from dairy clients, it has now included a TB-restricted calf section on the same day.

“This has become a valuable lifeline to dairy farmers who need to sell calves,” said Tom Rogers, calf auctioneer at Frome Market. “The TB-restricted markets are also very useful for producers with a smaller quantity of calves on an all-year-round calving system, as they can bring any amount to the sale.”

One Somerset-based dairy herd manager said: ‘‘We have found the orange market to be a very useful outlet for calves during busier calving periods, when housing for dairy replacements must be prioritised.”

As with all livestock, communication with vendors and buyers is key when it comes to TB-restricted sales, Mr Rogers remarked.

For example, with producers looking to maximise calf prices to counter the drop in farmgate dairy prices, providing advice and guidance on how best to manage and present stock is key to helping achieve those goals.

“Where possible, we encourage producers to focus on key aspects of calf management such as colostrum intake, time spent suckling a cow and presenting calves closer to 42 days of age to maximise the price achieved,” Mr Rogers explained.

Taking the hassle out of selling calves

TB-restricted markets have been instrumental for many farmers looking for an outlet for their stock, with one Frome customer saying it has “taken the hassle out of selling TB-restricted calves”.

“Selling calves by auction enables us to offer calves to multiple purchasers which maximises value. Communication from the auctioneer has proved key to achieving a fair value for our calves.’’

Jonty Cliffe, calf auctioneer at Market Drayton Market, which hosts the biggest TB-restricted auction for calves in the country, with some 200-400 calves a month through the sales ring, commented: “What we have seen is the orange market providing a lifeline for some of our vendors.”

“It gives the seller the confidence that they can achieve a fair price, as we have the right people around the ring. We have certainly seen that confidence from dairy farmers develop more so over the past two-years.”

This additional bio-secure route to market, alongside the thriving open calf sales across England and Wales, strongly supports the aims of the GB Dairy Calf Strategy.