Season’s Greetings from Farm Stock (Scotland) Limited
As the year draws to a close, on behalf of everyone at Farm Stock (Scotland), we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support in the last year and to wish all of our farmer members and customers a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous start to 2026.
Friday 19th December 2025
Cattle
Looking back, what a fantastic year 2025 has been for suckler-beef and dairy-beef producers, with above inflation increases in cattle values. In the last week the cattle trade has remained broadly similar to the previous week, with good availability of cattle for the slots currently on offer. High levels of flu and seasonal illness in some abattoirs have led to occasional cancellations but this seems to be largely isolated. As is typical for this time of year, kill numbers are lighter, with Christmas orders now complete and two shorter processing weeks ahead. With interest rates easing this week, we are hopeful this will translate into increased consumer spending and increased retail demand for beef as we move into the New Year.
Cow prices have continued to ease over the past week, with considerable numbers of dairy cows still coming forward. We would expect the cow trade to remain subdued until at least the third week of January, as there is usually a post-Christmas backlog to clear. While some abattoirs are scaling back cow throughput over the festive period, others still have firm orders. If you have cows ready to move, please contact your local fieldsman.
Store cattle have traded slightly easier, reflecting recent falls in the finished trade. That said, we do have buyers looking for stronger Angus cattle and heavier types to move in the New Year. Luing bullocks also available.
Sheep
Abattoir demand remains very mixed, as can often be the casein the run-up to Christmas. Some processors have eased back production, while others are operating at full capacity. Issues at the French border appear to have largely eased, though the trade remains nervous.
The lamb trade has shown some recovery over the past week, with processors competing strongly for the best-quality lambs. Base prices have varied significantly, ranging from 650–690p/kg. A small waiting list exists out of some areas.
Store lambs remain keenly sought after, although prices are slightly back on November levels. Large batches of lambs that have received clostridial vaccination are particularly in demand.
Organics
We continue to see excellent demand for organic cattle, with premiums in excess of 100p/kg. We are actively seeking new organic finishers to help meet increased demand for organic prime cattle in the new year.
Organic prime lambs are meeting steady demand, with premiums of around 20p/kg available. We expect this positive demand to continue into early 2026. Organic lambs wanted for pickup, first week of January.
Wanted
Angus & Blue x dairy calves on and off the milk HM,JW, NG
Organic store lambs-not horned AN, LB
Scottish Angus Store cattle 350-450kg ALL
Beef x dairy stores 450kg plus ALL
Available
16 Autumn calving cows with calves at foot JWHM
In calf cows and heifers available NGJW
150 In-calf English Angus suckler cows- Genuine Dispersal NG
Luing & Angus bullocks and heifers AN
Contacts
Jonny Williams Acting Managing Director 07817702 988
Alex Norval Acting Procurement Manager 07787826 355
Nikki Gilbertson Senior Livestock Procurement Officer- Northumberland 07595313 040
Lucy Bell Livestock Procurement Officer -Borders 07879602 962
Mandy Grierson Livestock Procurement Officer – Peebles & Lanarkshire 07831741 994
David Marshall Fieldsman for Farm Stock 07808 329 719
Colin Mair Fieldsman for Ayrshire Country Lamb 07976 605 130
Ian Douglas Fieldsman for Lothian Lamb 07885367 151
Helen Marsden Fieldsman for Dumfries and Galloway 07778 799 261
Matthew Nicolson Fieldsman for Shetland 07795 144 404
Farm Stock Scotland Office 01750 723366
