Trade Update – Friday 20th February2026
Cattle
The supply of finished cattle is now broadly in balance with demand, and the trade has stood on again. Most R-grade cattle have traded at 630–635p/kg over the past week. Demand from English processors remains firmer, with shorter waiting lists reported in the South.
The cow trade also remains strong, with reasonable numbers coming forward as several suckler beef farmers undertake passenger clear-outs ahead of lambing and calving. Well-fleshed beef and dairy cows are required weekly to meet processor demand. Best-fed dairy cows achieved up to £2,570 in the past week, with beef cows reaching £2,915.
Store cattle continue to command an extremely strong trade, particularly for the best-quality lots. Harder types and dairy-bred cattle are selling well, although not at the same levels as the top end. All classes of cattle are wanted to satisfy demand from member buyers. It will be interesting to see how the market for store heifers develops going forward- particularly native types. Will sexed beef semen become more widespread and will we see an increase in the number of male calves?
Sheep
Prime hogg supplies have tightened quickly, with recent weather conditions having a significant impact. It is hoped that the current drier spell will allow finishers to bring more sheep forward. Demand remains excellent, with hoggs reaching up to 730p/kg in the past seven days. More hoggs are required from all areas to meet very firm demand, and prices are expected to strengthen further.
Thank you to all members for their continued efforts to present sheep in as clean and dry a condition as possible. Most abattoirs have clipping facilities available if required; please speak to your fieldsman to discuss.
Organics
Demand for Scottish and English organic cattle remains excellent, with base prices reaching up to770p/kg. Additional organic suppliers are welcome — please contact the office or your local fieldsman to discuss the outlook going forward. Demand for organic prime hoggs has strengthened significantly over the past week, with premiums now exceeding 20p/kg above conventional prices.
