Cattle
AHDB is reporting that prime cattle slaughter numbers remain 4%behind last year on a national level, with volumes tightest south of the Border. Prices are creeping up as processors approach what is traditionally the busiest time of the year. Base prices vary, and deals are being done with quotes beginning around 650-660… Strong premiums available for Angus and Shorthorns.
Cull cow volumes are running tighter nationally as part of thegeneral decline in the suckler herd, but it's clear in the South of Scotland weare now seeing the larger seasonal numbers coming forward. Base prices for cullcows remain remarkable in the last week at 555-575p, dependent on location andthe type/weight/quality of the cows. Some outlets are now running a fortnightwaiting list for cows, but if you are starting to wade through mud and you needspeedy movement, then we can facilitate this!
Sheep
Prime lambs have taken a real lift in the last week, which isextremely welcome news to all our farmer members, particularly to those whobought store lambs in August. Lambs in the last seven days to 640-655p.Significant rises in lamb prices quoted for next week!! More lambs are requiredevery week, with lambs almost 40p up on the year.
Lamb slaughter reported by AHDB in the last week nationally is back 4% year on year and 11% back on the 5-year average! This significant tightening in the sheep slaughter numbers goes some way to explaining the 20p rise in the sheep trade. Lots of reports from our members about lambs struggling to finish off grass now, with some awful pneumonia outbreaks hitting lambs in the East.
Festive run-in for light lambs now starting. Whilst nothing is guaranteed, we expect good demand for light lambs from now until mid-December. Please get in touch with your fieldsman to discuss the options.
With the Autumnal weather now set in, most abattoirs are now belly clipping. Please let your local fieldsman know if you require your lambs to be clipped. Many thanks for your co-operation.
Organics
And just like that, volumes of organic lambs have eased up! More organic lambs are required for next week to meet strong demand from 4 different abattoirs! Strong premiums are available, with prices changing as the week has gone on.
Excellent demand for organic prime cattle in the run-up to Christmas, with superb premiums available.
Wanted
Good batches of store lambs- vaccinated ideally.
Strong store cattle wanted- all areas.
Suckled calves wanted.
For sale
Shorthorn x Highlander steers MG
120 Romney x ewe lambs HM
160 NCC Cheviot Ewes- genuine dispersal HM
100 Scottish Blackie Gimmers- genuine dispersal HM
30 Hexham Blackie Gimmers- genuine dispersal HM
53 Angus & Blue grey stores HM
100 Organic blackie ewe lambs JW
Angus x Jersey calves. Off milk HM
Wanted
Angus & Blue x dairy calves on and off the milk HM, NG
Charolais suckled calves MG
Regular aged Cheviot ewes HM
Organic store lambs-not horned or tups AN,LB
Scottish Angus Store cattle 350-450kg DM,JW, NG
