Trading Update – 2nd October 2026
Cattle
Finished cattle supplies in England are reportedly tightening significantly, with growing indications that prices could rise over the coming weeks as processors compete to fulfil Christmas orders. Clean cattle achieved 635–640p/kg in the last week, with Angus at 650–655p/kg. This will be welcome news for store cattle finishers, who have endured a particularly difficult few months.
Cull cow demand has also picked up over the past week. Demand is strongest from England, where farmers culled more heavily earlier in the season during the drought. Premiums are available for well-fleshed, fed cows, with prices reaching 530p/kg in the last week. Dairy cows straight out of the parlour achieved up to 500p/kg.
Store cattle remain in reasonable demand, although most finishers are buying too strict budgets, with the whole supply chain feeling the impact of high diesel costs.
Sheep
Prime lambs remain a good trade, achieving 700–725p/kg in the last week. However, demand has eased, with domestic buyers less active than of late. Sterling has also strengthened against the euro following stronger economic data, adding pressure to export returns. Some abattoirs have small waiting lists, although most lambs continue to move in the week following booking.
With diesel costs remaining very high, thank you to members who have helped by meeting wagons when booking smaller consignments of fewer than 50 lambs. Your co-operation is very much appreciated.
Looking abroad, Spanish lamb prices are being supported by a reported 5% decline in production (AHDB), linked to climatic pressures and bluetongue. This could help support demand for lamb in the run-up to Christmas, when the Mediterranean market traditionally strengthens.
The store lamb market continues to be underpinned by strong demand fromthe South of England and Wales, helped by improved grass growth andopportunities to graze SFI cover crops.
Organics
Organic prime cattle prices remain around 740p/kg, with the best clean cattle achieving close to £3,000 per head. Organic lambs reached 740p/kg in the last week, with supply and demand evenly matched at present, following a recent tightening in supply. Great batches of organic store cattle and suckled calves coming available now. As ever please get in touch with your local fieldsman for further information.
For Sale
2&3 Crop Easycare ewes Helen
65 Texel ewes. Regular ages Helen
Blackface store lambs Jonny
Blackface ewe lambs Helen
Chevease ewe lambs Mandy
Organic gimmers Mandy
50 Blackie gimmers Ian
12 Herdwick gimmers Ian
Organic store cattle & suckled calves Alex
Blue grey cow herd dispersal Nikki
7 Friesian heifers (empty) Helen
50 Angus x dairy bullocks Helen
15 Galloway and native bullocks forward stores Polly
Stabiliser heifers and bullocks Nikki
50 & 20 Angus x dairy bullocks Jonny & Nikki
Wanted
100 Suffolk x mule ewe lambs
HelenWedder store lambs (Blackies or Cheviots) ALL
Wedder stores, Suffolk, texels etc ALL
200 & 100 & 500 suckler bred stores Alex, Polly, Nikki
