Cattle

The trade for prime cattle remains bearish in Scotland, with processors almost universally pulling money from the market due to relatively supply. Most abattoirs are currently operating two-week waiting lists, with the majority of cattle trading at 635–640p/kg last week. Strong premiums continue to be available for native-bred cattle.

The anticipated flush of cull cows from the dairy herd has yet to materialise, despite significant milk price falls, though this remains under close review. Cow prices have increased by 5p/kg over the past week, with most R-grade cows achieving 540–560p/kg, depending on quality and location.

Store cattle — particularly those 400kg+ with age on their side — are attracting very strong competition from finishers. There is clear confidence that the finished trade will recover, and store buyers are keen to replenish empty courts. If you have not marketed cattle through the co-operative before, please consider us —our package is highly competitive.

Sheep

Demand for prime hoggs remains disappointing, with confidence lacking and cash tight throughout the supply chain, particularly among export-oriented businesses. With Ramadan commencing on 17 February, there is some hope that this will provide the stimulus needed to kick-start the trade. Hoggs traded at 670–700p/kg last week, with prices easing as the week progressed.

Large numbers of heavyweight lambs continue to come forward. To put this into context, during the same week last year, Farm Stock Scotland member hoggs averaged 18.66kg, compared with 20.33kg this year — an increase of 1.67kg per lamb!! This substantial rise in sheep meat volume goes some way to explaining the weaker trade.

Members are reminded of grading changes south of the border, where a new “S” (Superior)grade has been introduced above the E grade. We look forward to seeing the first “S” grade! — please speak to your fieldsman if you would like to discuss this further.

Organics

Demand for organic prime cattle remains excellent, with premiums well in excess of 100p/kg. There is also strong interest in organic store cattle from both Scottish and English members.
Premiums for organic prime hoggs remain firm, at 20–30p/kg last week, with hoggs currently moving through four different abattoirs. Organic store lambs are also available.

Wanted
450kg + store cattle                                                                          ALL
80 Horned in lamb ewes                                                                   NG
200 white faced store hoggs                                                            NG HM
30+ Continental store cattle 350kg plus                                         ALL
All types of organic store cattle- all breeds and weights              ALL
20 Beef x Dairy calves on or off milk.                                               HMJW
25 Store bullocks 9-15 months. All breeds                                     JW      

Available

25 Angus Heifers available                                                               MG
100 In-lamb Romney triplets                                                           HM
Organic store lambs                                                                          NGJW
48 In lamb Zwarble Ewes, genuine dispersal                                 LB
23 Suckler cows in calf to an Angus- change in farm policy        NG
29 Angus cows for sale- Change in farm policy                             NG
Angus and Lim in-calf heifers                                                          ID