Prime cattle remain a stonking good trade with most processors standing on in the last week around 505-515p/kg base. Cow values remain very high with numbers very tight as is normal for this time of the year. If you have any passengers after calving let us know so we can arrange quick uplift.
With the weather breaking and two 4 day processing weeks in operation due to the Easter weekend I would anticipate supply and demand to re-balance so we are unlikely to see further rises in April.
Recently released DEFRA data shows a 3.5% decline in the first quarter of 2025 compared to last year. Feedback from retailers is pointing to some consumer resistance to higher meat prices which are slowly feeding through the system.
AHDB interpretation of the updated BCMS registrations is also illustrating further reductions in the beef and dairy breeding herds. Given the reality of the long lag required to increase cattle numbers it will take several years to reverse these numbers if the industry wants to reverse this decline in the long term. Lets hope cheap imports don’t fill the gap. If you are looking for bulling heifers to suit your beef herd this Spring, please get in touch with your fieldsman to discuss the options available.
There is weak Scottish demand for hoggs at present with poor retail demand getting much of the blame, this is coupled with a very high number of very heavy hoggs which continue to flood the trade. Nonetheless we do have outlets offering keen competition for in spec sheep. Prime hoggs in the last week generally trading 680-690pbase in most cases. Good quality in spec light hoggs to 700p. Please give an accurate description of your hogget’s to your fieldsman so we can maximise your returns.
Prime ewes wanted on a weekly basis if you’re having a post lambing clear out.
Hoggs
Organic hoggs have eased slightly in the last week in Scotland, tracking the conventional trade north of the Border. Good batches of prime organic hogget’s required to go South next week. Prices in the last week to 770p/kg. Please get in touch.
Cattle
Demand for organic cattle remain very strong. Significant premiums available over the price of conventional cattle. Organic store cattle available and wanted.
Strong South County Cheviot Ewe Lambs -Jonny
Organic store cattle -Alex,
Angus, Luing, Hereford x bulling heifers - Nikki, Jonny, Alex
Angus & Hereford x dairy calves -Jonny
Store Cattle – all shapes and sizes - ALL
Calves off milk -Jonny
Organic store cattle - David
Native bred organic cows & calves - Alex
Jonny Williams
Acting Managing Director 07817 702 988
Alex Norval
Acting Procurement Manager 07787 826 355
Nikki Gilbertson
Senior Livestock Procurement Officer- Northumberland 07595 313 040
Lucy Bell
Livestock Procurement Officer -Borders 07879 602 962
David Marshall
Fieldsman for Farmstock 07808 329 719
Colin Mair
Fieldsman for Ayrshire Country Lamb 07976 605 130
Ian Douglas
Fieldsman for Lothian Lamb 07885 367 151
Helen Marsden
Fieldsman for Dumfries and Galloway 07778 799 261
Matthew Niccolson
Fieldsman for Shetland 07795 144404
Office
Leader House, Earlston, Scottish Borders 01750 723 366
