Trading Update 15th May 2026
Cattle
The cattle trade has weakened further over the past seven days, with another 10p/kg coming off base price quotations. Most prime cattle are now trading in the region of590–595p/kg. Several processors are currently operating waiting lists of up to three weeks, although with some cattle and cows effectively double or even treble booked across multiple firms, there will be increasing numbers of so-called “ghost cattle”. As markets have shown before, a three-week waiting list can quickly become a three-day waiting list once confidence shifts and numbers begin to dry up. Until finished cattle supplies tighten materially, it is difficult to see a decisive end to this bear market. Trade sentiment currently suggests a possible bottom around the 550p/kg mark, although that still feels some distance away.
Prime cows in the last week have generally traded between 515–530p/kg base, with the strongest demand and best prices achieved by well-fleshed, fed cows. Demand for manufacturing and processing beef remains exceptionally firm, underpinning the cow trade despite weakness in clean cattle values. More cows are wanted every week.
The store cattle trade, meanwhile, remains remarkably resilient. We continue to havestrong orders for medium to longer-keep cattle up to 400kg, particularlyAngus-bred types. Good-quality beef × dairy cattle are now starting to comeonto the market in greater numbers and continue to meet excellent demand. Morecattle are required across a range of specifications. We also have several excellent batches of suckler bred bulling heifers available on members’ farms.
Sheep
The sheep trade continues to perform at an extraordinary level in the run-up to Eidal-Adha. Spring lambs in the last week have traded around 900–910p/kg, while hogg quotations have generally ranged from 850–880p/kg. The very best sheep are now being quoted at over 900p/kg for next week. These exceptional prices are being driven by extremely strong demand coupled with very poor availability. Members with spring lambs or finished hoggs ready to market are encouraged to get in touch promptly, as demand could well ease once Eid orders are fulfilled.
Looking further afield, Spanish sheep production is forecast to decline significantly following the impact of Bluetongue, with Euro meat reporting a potential 30% reduction in output. Alongside sheep pox outbreaks in parts of Southern Europe, the wider EU sheep flock is expected to contract further during 2026, providing additional long-term support to the sheep sector.
The spring lamb trade remains exceptionally buoyant, with larger numbers now beginning to come forward. Lambs in the last week have generally traded around 880–890p/kg, approximately 160p/kg ahead of the same week last year.
Organics
Organic demand remains reasonable for the time of year, with some members now moving into ewe lamb sales to take advantage of the exceptionally strong sheep trade. Members are encouraged to speak with their local fieldsman to discuss the most suitable marketing options available.
Finished organic cattle prices, in line with the conventional trade, remain under some pressure as consumer demand for premium beef products reportedly softens. However, organic premiums themselves remain exceptionally strong, with quotations exceeding 140p/kg above conventional values. Good batches of organic store cattle continue to become available each week.
Memberslivestock Wanted
Store cattle- Scottish and English cattle 300kg approx ALL
Up to 50 Weaned beef x dairy calves off the milk Mandy & Helen
50 Mule Ewe lambs (accredited clear of Enzoticabortion) Office
25 Angus stores Jonny
Grazing cattle Helen
Members livestock Available
60 Angus x dairy stores Helen
50 x 500kg Angus/Stabiliser stores Mandy
Good Simmental breeding Bulls, 18m Lucy
Good EBV Angus bulls David
Bulling heifers- Johnes 1* Jonny
100 Angus x dairy steers. TB1 Nikki
