Trading Update 1st May 2026
Cattle
Disappointingly, the prime cattle trade has eased again this week, with finished prices falling by a further 10p/kg. Most cattle in the last seven days have traded at 610–620p/kg base, with English prices generally sitting 10–15pbehind Scottish quotes. The market is now correcting almost as quickly as it rose last spring.
Without wishing to sound overly negative, it is important to reflect the seriousness of the current downturn. At present there is little indication that the market has yet reached the bottom, with many finishers actively marketing cattle in an attempt to stay ahead of further price falls. Current industry predictions for the eventual bottom, range anywhere between 580–600p/kg.
Processors report chills full of beef, while retail demand remains exceptionally subdued. A well-known high street burger chain is also understood to be feeling the pinch, cancelling orders, as consumers continue to tighten spending.
Cull cows have eased broadly in line with the clean cattle trade, with most cows trading at 555–565p/kg over the past week. Numbers remain finely balanced and, encouragingly, the majority of cows are still moving within a fortnight.
Forward store cattle have also come under pressure, with some stronger sorts now £100–£200/head behind the levels seen in March. However, grazing cattle continue to attract strong competition as grass growth accelerates across most regions. With the trade now easier, this may prove a good opportunity for buyers looking to secure store cattle for the longer term.
Sheep
The first meaningful batches of spring lambs continue to come forward to a tremendous trade, with base prices reaching 880p/kg. Lambs are generally killing out extremely well off creep feed and sunshine, producing excellent yields and a high percentage of E and U grades.
The hogg trade has eased slightly this week, with quality becoming noticeably more mixed. Processors report larger numbers of tail-end sheep alongside an abundance of heavy hoggs for the outlets currently available. Most hoggs in the past week have traded between 820–850p/kg depending on quality, weight and location.
Several sheep processors are expected to begin switching over to spring lamb production or entering seasonal maintenance periods shortly. When booking hoggs in, please let your fieldsman know exactly what type of sheep you have available so we can maximise returns and target the correct outlet.
More hoggs and spring lambs are required each week to meet ongoing demand. Please get in touch to discuss the marketing options available.
Organics
Organic hogg demand remains steady, although quality is understandably mixed for the time of year. Organic premiums are generally running at 20–30p/kg above conventional values.
Organic cattle have eased slightly alongside the wider market but continue to represent an excellent trade relative to conventional prices, with cattle in the last week reaching up to 760p/kg.
Good batches of organic store cattle continue to become available. If you are looking to secure organic stores, please get in touch so we can source the best-quality batches available.
Ø We have one organic member looking for grazing for organic cows and calves now. (David)
Ø We have one other organic member looking for organic grazing to finish organic lambs this summer/autumn. (Jonny) Get in touch for further information.
Store cattle- Scottish and English cattle 300kg approx ALL
Up to 50 Weaned beef x dairy calves off the milk Mandy& Helen
50 Mule hoggs with lambs at foot Helen
50 Mule Ewe lambs (accredited clear of Enzotic abortion) Office
Members livestock Available
50 x 500kg Angus/Stabiliser stores Mandy
Grazing cattle available ALL
Simmental breeding Bulls, 18m Lucy
Angus bulls David
Ewes with blue texel lambs at foot. Mandy
Organic bulling heifers- Johnes 1* Mandy/Jonny
Store cattle 280kg hill calves David
50 Angus x dairy steers. TB1 Nikki
Well bred Cheviot ewe hoggs Polly
Shetland x Ewes with good lambs at foot Polly
