Cattle
A welcome sparkle has returned to the beef trade, with keen competition from a number of abattoirs for finished cattle. The modest improvement in prices is being driven more by a seasonal shortage of market-ready cattle than by any significant uplift in consumer demand. That said, recent changes in retailer procurement, with some supermarkets switching beef supply between processors, has also helped inject some fizz into the marketplace. Demand for Angus cattle remains remarkable. Base prices are currently in the region of 590–600p/kg, with Angus cattle making 605–620p/kg.
Cull cow numbers remain seasonally tight, as is typical for this time of year. Cows traded at 535–540p/kg during the past week, with strong demand continuing for both beef and dairy cows. If you are considering marketing cows, please speak to your fieldsman and compare our highly competitive commission rates.
Store cattle continue to be in excellent demand, particularly Angus stores and smaller beef × dairy cattle. More numbers are required to satisfy current buyer demand.
Sheep
Demand for prime lambs strengthened during the past week, with base prices improving to 800–810p/kg. Further price rises next week look highly likely. With the Great Yorkshire Show now behind us and the Royal Welsh Show taking place next week, buying activity from southern processors has increased noticeably. More lambs are required to meet this renewed demand.
The longer-term outlook for the lamb trade remains extremely encouraging. Continued reductions in the English and Welsh breeding ewe flocks, coupled with relatively inexpensive grain and feed prices, should provide confidence for those finishing lambs this autumn.
Visiting farms over the past week, it has been encouraging to see members in the drier parts of the country maintaining excellent lamb growth rates through modest feed/cereal supplementation and the use of summer catch crops.
There has also been considerable discussion within the trade regarding rumours that some Halal abattoirs have built up substantial debts at livestock markets during this exceptionally strong sheep market. Members can be reassured that Farm Stock Scotland combines strict internal credit controls with credit insurance to ensure that members' payments remain fully protected.
The first store lambs are now moving from members to repeat buyers across both England and Scotland at exceptionally strong prices. More good-quality batches of store lambs are wanted, while breeding sheep are also available.
Organics
Organic cattle continue to command outstanding prices, with finished cattle making around 740p/kg during the past week. Waiting lists have eased slightly, which is welcome news, but please continue to keep your fieldsman informed of cattle approaching finish.
Prime organic lambs are now coming forward in increasing numbers, with the trade strengthening alongside the conventional market. Prices of 860–900p/kg were achieved during the past week, dependent on lamb type and location. Tightening grass supplies across southern England could provide further support to the Scottish organic lamb trade in the weeks ahead.
For Sale
Scotch Mule Gimmers AN, NG
Cheviot Mules Ewes NG, LB
Texel x Mule Gimmers AN, NG, JW
Organic Blackface flock. Genuine dispersal HM
200 store lambs. Scottish DM
100 Store lambs. English NG
4 yr old Angus Bull HM
14 Galloway bullocks NG
Organic Hay AN
Wanted
200 Suffolk x mixed age ewes JW
Regular aged hill ewes HM
Store lambs HM, JW, NG, LB, AN
Organic store cattle PC
Grazing cattle HM
Angus x dairy stores all weights HM, MG, NG, JW
Scottish Organic winter gazing for hill lambs JW
