SKIPTON Auction Mart has published its annual newsletter CCM News, which features agricultural-related features and informed comment from sector experts, both in-house and externally, along with a round-up of the 2020 and early 2021 show and sale season.

While Covid has obviously had a major impact, trade has successfully been maintained and it’s still business as usual at the mart, albeit a ‘Pivotal time for UK farming,’ as proclaimed in the front page headline of CCM News.

However, there is still plenty of optimism, renewed hope and confidence for summer and beyond now that a roadmap out of lockdown and a faster path to freedom are in place.

Craven Cattle Marts’ general manager and auctioneer Jeremy Eaton focuses on key issues facing UK agriculture and flags up a potential future pathway to successfully feed the nation in a more sustainable, regional and healthier way.

In turn, livestock sales manager Ted Ogden reflects on the amazing resilience of the agricultural sector, how farmers have risen magnificently to the challenges and how post-pandemic they should be empowered by Government to continue to meet future challenges and opportunities.

Addressing this, local MP Julian Smith looks at the help given to farming communities during the pandemic and how the Brexit deal with zero tariffs and zero quotas has ended uncertainly for the agricultural sector, while John Akrigg, of the mart-based WBW Surveyors, follows up on this theme when stressing that farmers must be prepared to take advantage of the opportunities the Agricultural Transition Period is inevitably going to present.

Livestock vet Andy Barrett, of Craven Farm Vets, reflects on how both Covid and Brexit have given the nation a big reminder of the importance of British farmers, particularly local supply chains and their ability to keep food on shelves.

NFU Regional Director Adam Bedford says agriculture is uniquely placed to be a major part of the solution to climate change problems, Dr Vicky West, Woodland Carbon Code manager, offers advice on how farmers can take advantage of growing opportunities in the UK carbon market and generate income, while Adrian Shepherd, Head of Land Management at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, says engaging in new schemes will be key for upland farm businesses

The spotlight again falls on the continuing achievements of Craven College via its on-site campus, while college principal Lindsey Johnson stresses that raising the awareness of agriculture and associated industries as an exciting and attractive career path is imperative, at the same time explaining why understanding the demands of Gen-Z (those born 1995-2010) will help retain young people in the Craven District.

Keynote sponsors of CCM News, which runs to 28 A4 pages, are Skipton NFU Mutual and Carr’s Billington, both based on-site. While hard copies are available from the mart office, CCM News can also be viewed and downloaded via the home page link at www.ccmauctions.com