大象传媒

2017 sees the 200th anniversary of the UK's first ever livestock market, which was held in Hawick in the Scottish Borders in 1817. In this programme, Sybil Ruscoe visits the livestock market at Ross-on-Wye, where cattle and sheep are regularly auctioned. She hears about the history of the market, and meets both auctioneers and farmers to find out about the importance of the market to the local community. Since the mid 1990s, many livestock markets have closed, unable to recover after the impact of BSE and then Foot and Mouth disease. But, as Sybil finds out, some are still thriving. She asks how they will cope with the challenges which may come their way in the years ahead. In an age when cattle, like anything else, can be sold online - what future is there for the traditional livestock auction?

Presented by Sybil Ruscoe and produced by Emma Campbell.