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Friday 31st January 2025

Cattle

The storm last Friday caused some damage and created some disruption/delays in prime cattle/sheep movement, but any impact seems to have been short lived. I have run out of superlatives to describe the beef trade… suffice to say that prices are up again, approximately 10p/kg with further rises looking likely, with the scramble for volumes continuing at almost any cost. Clean cattle in the last week 610-615p/kg minimum with Angus 630-640p.

QMS forecasts based on calf registrations point towards a further tightening of supply in the second half of 2025 when the reduced Spring 2023 calf crop hits the ground. Butchers and wholesalers will be coming under real pressure to pass on higher prices to consumers so it will be fascinating to see how retail beef sales hold up. If you have the means, now would probably be a good time to fill your freezer as beef on the shelf might jump 20%!

Beef and dairy type cows have also seen another big jump in price with 460-485p available in the last 7 days. More cows of all shapes, breeds and sizes needed every week now. Please get in touch as we are canvassing over 10 abattoirs every week. Young bulls, beef and dairy bred also required to meet orders.

Clean cattle, young bulls and all types of cows required every week with extremely fast uplift. Remember we pay in 7 days and prime stock sales are fully insured. Please speak to your local fieldsman to discuss the variety of options available.

Sheep

‍The sheep trade has picked up a notch with a bit more fizz about compared to the previous fortnight, with fewer hoggs forward for next again week. There seems to be more orders from processors which is encouraging, with some of our members saving lambs up for Ramadan on the 28th February. Hoggs in the last week between 680-720p/kg, dependent on quality, location and weight.
Hoggs are coming forward in good condition with many finishers taking advantage of cheaper cereal prices to add finish and improve killing out percentages.

Organics

‍Organic cattle have taken a real lift in the last week with volumes tightening in the South with the trade 660-680p dependent on quality and location. We have increased orders for finished organic cattle, please get in touch. Prices will be up for next week… how long till we hit 700p???

Organic hoggs keenly sought after by a number of processors with a premium which is great for our member producers with premiums of 20-30p available. Please give your fieldsman a call to discuss the options available.

Wanted & Available‍

‍Romney in lamb ewes available (scanned for triplets). HM
Belted Galloway organic store cattle wanted DM
Cheviot in lamb ewes available. DM
In calf Galloway cows wanted. AN
Charolais and Sim x store cattle available 470kg. AN
Belgian Blue x store heifers available 350kg. JW
Luing feeding bulls available. JW