The prime cattle trade remains under some pressure, with plenty of finished cattle available for the number of jobs currently in Scotland. Prices are generally in the region of 635–645p/kg, with some cattle drifting south. Demand appears stronger in England due to tighter numbers. Christmas retail sales were reportedly good, so hopefully the trade will begin to level out soon.
Stronger beef cows are coming forward in dribs and drabs, while the numbers of dairy cows remain relatively high due to ongoing turmoil in the milk markets. All types of cows are required on a weekly basis, although short waiting list of approximately10 days are evident in some areas.
We continue to see extremely strong demand for store cattle from both the North and South, with finishers keen to replenish numbers following Christmas sales. There is particular demand for good-quality cattle 350kg and above.
Demand for hogget’s has been very mixed, with snow-affected abattoirs chasing supplies the hardest. Prices have ranged from 680–720p/kg, which is unusual for the time of year. The easing in trade is largely due to a post-Christmas hangover and seasonal cash-flow pressures within the export trade. This is quite normal for January, with many accounts operating on 30-daypayment terms, so we would typically expect the trade to recover over the next 7–10days.
Processors are reporting ahigh number of overweight lambs coming forward, with many now too big or outside specification for export markets. Be aware of the changes in the grading system south of the border- there is now an additional S (Superior) grade above the E! We look forward to seeing the first “S”!! Speak to your fieldsmen if you wish to discuss this.
Please note that the Muslim festival of Ramadan begins on 17 February.
Please make sure that you send all livestock with the correct FCI forms- our website has all the correct versions uploaded.
Organic cattle continue to be keenly competed for, with several processors offering strong premiums to secure supplies. More organic cattle are required to meet ongoing demand.
Organic lambs are relatively plentiful for the time of year due to slow finishing conditions during the autumn. Modest premiums are currently available.
Wanted
40 Angus Bullocks 350kg plus ALL
30+ Continental store cattle 350kg plus ALL
All types of organic store cattle- all breeds and weights ALL
30 Beef x Dairy calves on or off milk. ALL
25 Store bullocks 9-15 months. All breeds ALL
200 White faced store lambs HM
75-100 In lamb mule ewes HM
10-15 In calf heifers. Must be high health, BVD, IBR free etc NG
Available
48 In lamb Zwarble Ewes, genuine dispersal LB
23 Suckler cows in calf to an Angus- change in farm policy NG
29 Angus cows for sale- Change in farm policy NG
Suffolk x Ewe lambs in lamb to a Beltex Tup MG
16 Autumn calving cows with calves at foot JWHM
Angus and Lim in-calf heifers ID
