Trading Update – 7th August 2026
Cattle
The prime cattle trade has remained remarkably steady over the past week, with clean cattle generally trading at 605–610p/kg, while Angus cattle continue to command 620–625p/kg. With Scottish schools due to return in around10 days, there is cautious optimism that demand for processing beef will begin to improve as catering and foodservice requirements recover.
Beef finishers will also be watching developments surrounding the EU ban on Brazilian beef, which is due to come into force on 3rd September. The key question is whether the UK Government will follow the EU's lead or whether Brazilian beef, no longer destined for Europe, will instead be diverted into the UK market. The outcome could have important implications for beef prices later this autumn.
Cull cow values have eased slightly to 530–540p/kg, back around 5–10p on the week as larger numbers of dairy cows come forward from the drier areas of southern Britain. Meanwhile, the growing severity of the Bluetongue outbreak remains a major concern, with reports of significant losses on some affected farms. It will be interesting to see whether this drives increased demand for vaccinated breeding and store stock as the autumn marketing season gather space. More cattle are required to satisfy current buyer enquiries.
Sheep
Prime lamb prices have continued their expected seasonal correction, with deadweight values easing from the exceptional highs seen earlier this summer. Despite the recent decline, deadweight marketing continues to compare very favourably with other selling routes, with prices generally in the region of 700–730p/kg.
English lamb prices remain under greater pressure, largely reflecting poorer finish, with many lambs still struggling to achieve adequate finish after the prolonged dry weather. The recent easing in prices is primarily the result of a delayed marketing season. Lamb numbers remained tight into July following the dry spring, while the continued shift towards later, outdoor lambing systems has also delayed supplies. Irish lamb, currently trading at around 670p/kg deadweight, continues to offer stiff competition in export markets and remains an important factor influencing UK pricing. Well-finished lambs continue to perform exceptionally well, with kill-out percentages remaining impressive for the time of year. More prime lambs wanted to meet existing and new orders.
Store lamb prices have eased as persistent dry conditions continue across much of England and Wales. Many specialist finishers have yet to establish catch crops or fodder crops, limiting buying confidence. With little indication that the drought will break in southern areas, finishing lambs this summer and autumn is looking increasingly attractive. Much of Scotland has now received welcome rainfall, while feed barley remains available at historically favourable prices.
Organics
Demand for organic finished cattle remains encouraging for the time of year, with prices around 740p/kg. If you have organic cattle approaching finish, please contact your local Farm Stock Scotland fieldsman.
Good numbers of organic lambs are now coming forward, as is typical for August, with worthwhile premiums still available. Importantly, none of the organic processors we supply are currently applying penalties for Easycare or clipped sheep.
We also have some outstanding consignments of organic store lambs becoming available, slightly earlier than last year. Many are fully vaccinated and ready to go. Please contact your local fieldsman for further details.
For Sale
50 Suffolk x gimmers Lucy
Cheviot Mules (English) Nikki
NC Cheviot gimmers Nikki
Organic Easycare ewe lambs Alex
Easycare Gimmers Alex
Texel x Cheviot gimmers Nikki
300 Blackie Ewe lambs Helen
300 Blackie wedders Helen
400 suffolk x mule stores Jonny
30 Lleyn organic ewes Jonny
400 Blackie store lambs available Aug Polly
Organic store lambs available Alex,David
130 Abertex ewe lambs (English) Helen
Stock bulls available, Angus, Charolais and Hereford etc
Wanted
Angus Bullocks Alex& Nikki
Organic store cattle Polly,David
Regular aged cheviot ewes Helen
Store lambs ALL Fieldsmen
Grazing cattle Helen,David, Alex, Nikki
Angus x dairy stores all weights Helen, Jonny
