Friday 13th March 2026
Cattle
The clean cattle trade has continued to ease slightly over the past week, with processors reporting extremely poor retail demand especially for higher value steak cuts. Base prices have generally been in the region of620–625p/kg, with some processors indicating further reductions likely next week.
Several processors are also believed to be moving sizeable volumes of beef into the wholesale market as product approaches its shelf-life, highlighting the pressure currently being felt further down the supply chain. There are also reports of significant volumes of Australian beef being used in the foodservice sector- hotels, restaurants etc.
Ordinarily, a Summer football World Cup would provide a welcome lift for burger demand, with processors freezing significant volumes of beef well in advance to service the anticipated BBQ trade. However, with North America hosting the tournament, kick-off times are far from ideal for European audiences (see below)- meaning late-night matches may do little to stimulate UK burger consumption! See the times below…
Scotland’s Group C fixtures
• Haiti vs Scotland – 14 June, Boston (2am UK)
• Scotland vs Morocco – 19 June, Boston (11pm UK)
• Scotland vs Brazil – 24 June, Miami (11pm UK)
England’s Group L fixtures
• England vs Croatia – 17 June, Dallas (9pm UK)
• England vs Ghana – 23 June, Boston (9pm UK)
• Panama vs England – 27 June, New York/New Jersey (10pm UK)
Despite the softer prime trade, cull cows are holding up well, with excellent demand for both well-fleshed beef cows and plainer dairy types. More cows are required weekly to meet buyer demand.
The store cattle trade has eased slightly after a prolonged run of very strong prices. We currently have some excellent batches available, alongside a strong retained list of buyers. Many finishers have been keen to stay well stocked ahead of the end of the tax year. Counter to this, some store producers are looking to defer sales until April. Members wishing to discuss marketing options and movement dates etc should speak to their local fieldsman in plenty of time.
Sheep
The finished hogg trade has continued to build momentum… rather like Scotland’s men’s rugby team in this year’s Six Nations… long overdue and hugely welcome! Demand has been exceptionally strong, driven by the proximity of Ramadan and Easter, combining with tight hogg supplies due to the weather.
Hoggs have generally traded between 760–800p/kg over the past week, with further rises for next week. We have very firm demand from a wide network of buyers- some of which are far more active than others. Some unusually so. Most Easter hogg processing should conclude next week, so it will be particularly interesting to see how the trade performs over the following fortnight. There remains a small amount of space available for early uplift next week.
Looking internationally, Australia currently supplies a significant volume of sheep meat into the massive Middle Eastern Halal market. However, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is disrupting shipping routes. An Australian trade contact has raised the possibility that Australian lamb may be diverted into Europe should the situation persist in the short term… something that could have implications for the rest of the UK hogg marketing season.
Organics
Finished organic cattle continue to command excellent returns, with base prices up to 770p/kg. Organic lamb has also surged, breaking through the £8/kg mark this week which is very positive news for organic producers!
Stop Press: More organic livestock is required next week from all areas.
Organic store cattle also wanted urgently to meet strong demand from Scottish buyers, with additional interest from finishers in England and Wales.
Wanted
20 Cheviot Mule Ewe lambs MG
Organic angus bulling heifers JW
500kg bullocks HM
300-400kg stirks, continental or native HM
6-12 month dairy bred stirks HM
Grazing cattle All
Available
Aberdeen Angus bulls available MG DM
Shorthorn Bulls 24m MG
Hereford bulls available LB
85 Cheviot Ewe lambs, Well bred DM
10 Strong Angus Bulling heifers 18m MG
20 Angus Bullocks and heifers (English) JW
35 Charolais Heifers NG
Weaned Angus Calves JWHM
Galloway & Shorthorn stores HM
30 Luing bullocks DM
12-14 week Angus & Sim x dairy calves AN
Contacts
Jonny Williams Acting Managing Director 07817 702 988
Alex Norval Acting Procurement Manager 07787 826 355
Nikki Gilbertson Senior Livestock Procurement Officer- Northumberland 07595313 040
Lucy Bell Livestock Procurement Officer-Borders 07879602 962
Mandy Grierson Livestock Procurement Officer– Peebles & Lanarkshire 07831741 994
Polly Cregan Livestock Procurement-Borders 07398 123 010
David Marshall Fieldsman for Farm Stock 07808 329 719
Colin Mair Fieldsman for Ayrshire Country Lamb 07976 605130
Ian Douglas Fieldsman for Lothian Lamb 07885367 151
Helen Marsden Fieldsman for Dumfries and Galloway 07778 799 261
Matthew Nicolson Fieldsman for Shetland 07795 144 404
Farm Stock Scotland Office 01750723 366
