This is a good time to consider a career in the auction business, according to the LAA.

A survey would seem to suggest that livestock auctioneers are “cautiously confident” about the coming year’s trade, although they are more apprehensive about the future of the industry in general.

They expect trade to remain fairly level throughout the year compared to last year – 76 per cent feel the livestock trade will be similar, with a further 18 per cent believing the trade would be better in the coming year.

Executive secretary of the Livestock Auctioneers Association Chris Dodds, which conducted the survey, said: “I am encouraged by the cautious confidence most auctioneers feel about the livestock trade and farming in general.

“As well as feeling good about future prospects, two-thirds of auctioneers surveyed reported they took on more staff last year and 45 per cent say they will continue expanding their teams this year.”

When asked about the industry in general, 52 per cent said things were getting better but 46 per cent thought things were getting “a bit worse”.

Survey results showed, on average, marts employed nine full-time and 24 part-time staff, with most also providing personal development and training.

Mr Dodds said: “I would encourage young people to consider careers in the auction business.”