Changes To Commission Rates At Aberdeen And Northern Marts

4th December 2019

Aberdeen & Northern Marts (ANM) is announcing a transformational change to livestock commission rates bringing radical reductions for customers who are shareholders in their co-operative business. The change will reward the loyalty of those who invest in the mart, and will establish a new industry-wide affordable standard for members selling through the ring.

Commission rates are reducing on all stock - as low as 3% for all sales at Thainstone and Caithness auction marts from 1st January 2020. The maximum charge will reduce to 3.5%.

The reduced rates will only be available to shareholders in the co-operative - one of Scotland's largest community-owned societies, and one of the country's most successful farming, food and finance businesses.

Though commission rates are falling, there will be no change to the service provided for those selling at Thainstone and Caithness marts, with continued inclusive provision of eve-of-sale and post-sale lairage, stock preparation, tagging and advice on lotting provided by the experienced auctioneering team. The Marts will continue to offer same day settlement and short & long term livestock finance schemes.

WHY THE CHANGE?

The move is part of a strategic move by ANM to build greater value for members and to reward their loyalty to the business which has been community-owned since 1872. The aim is to ensure that as much of the region's farming industry as possible can benefit from the newly reduced member rates, whilst also receiving an annual dividend on their investment. The aim is to make it more accessible, and more attractive than ever before to access the best commission rates in the industry.

At a time of uncertainty and change for the entire rural economy, this change will be a significant boost to members, rewarding their continued loyalty. As an innovating co-operative, the move will provide wider leadership for the entire livestock market sector.

This announcement is part of a move towards further enhanced benefits for members. This is just the start - the more members use the Mart, the more benefit to members can be offered.