UK beef and sheep numbers have continued to contract, but livestock prices remain firm thanks to tight supplies, according to new Defra census data.

As Christmas 2025 approaches, the cost of putting a turkey on the festive table is showing a rare and welcome trend: prices are slightly lower than last year. According to market research from Worldpanel by Numerator, the average cost of a Christmas dinner for four — including a turkey and all the trimmings — is £32.46, down from £32.57 in 2024. While the decrease is small, it marks a notable shift after years of rising food inflation.

Thainstone Livestock Market, on the outskirts of Inverurie in Aberdeenshire, stands as Scotland’s premier livestock mart and one of the largest agricultural centres in the UK. Built on the estate of Thainstone House and officially opened in 1990, the complex was designed as a modern replacement for older local marts and set out to handle large volumes of animals under one roofThe Gazetteer for Scotland. Its creation transformed the local rural economy by concentrating sales, services and agricultural businesses in a single purpose-built site that also houses industry organisations, farm service businesses and conference facilities.

Gisburn Auction Mart has been a cornerstone of livestock trading in Lancashire for more than seven decades. Located just outside Clitheroe on the Gisburn–Longridge road, the mart first opened its doors in the wake of World War II and has operated continuously since it was incorporated on 15 July 1949 Companies House. Over that time, it has grown from a local gathering point for hill‐farm flocks into one of the region’s busiest auction centres, attracting farmers and buyers across the North West.

The Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA) serves as the national representative body for livestock markets and auctioneers across England and Wales, championing transparency, fair trade and industry best practice. Since its inception over 85 years ago, the LAA has acted as a unified voice for farmers and auctioneers alike—lobbying government, publishing market data in real time, and setting compliance standards that ensure sellers and buyers receive accurate prices in the live ring.

Animal auctions are organised marketplaces where livestock is sold by competitive bidding. Sellers register lots, which may be individual animals or groups, and provide documentation such as identification, weight, breed and health records. On sale day lots are presented in a sale ring or via video for online viewers. An auctioneer conducts the sale, calling bids and moving the price upward in set increments until the highest bid stands and the hammer falls. Buyers participate in person, by phone, or through online bidding platforms. After the sale, the mart handles invoicing, collects fees and commissions, and coordinates transfer of ownership and transport arrangements.

Milking machines have revolutionised UK dairy farming by automating repetitive tasks, enhancing cow comfort, and standardising milking routines. These systems range from traditional parlour setups to robotic milking units, with more than 90% of UK herds now utilising mechanical assistance. Automation reduces labour demands, minimises milk contamination, and supports herd health monitoring through integrated data capture.

To keep your goats thriving, focus on five pillars: balanced nutrition and clean water, secure and sanitary housing, strict biosecurity, routine health monitoring with veterinary support, and accurate record-keeping. Addressing each area systematically helps prevent common illnesses, optimises productivity, and ensures your smallholding remains profitable and animal-friendly.

More than half of all dairy and beef farmers in Great Britain now rear their youngstock on calf milk replacer (CMR) instead of whole milk. A Volac survey of 644 farmers found that 58% of dairy calves and 52% of beef calves are fed CMR, compared with just 15% a decade ago. This rapid adoption reflects growing concerns over disease transmission, the drive for consistency, and the need to scale up herd management efficiently.

To target savings of up to £250,000 per year, focus on optimising routines, feed and water systems, herd performance, energy use and data-driven decision making.