Finished cattle remain in relatively short supply and competition between several abattoirs has increased, with the trade gradually beginning to edge upwards. Feedback from processors suggests this improvement is being driven more by tighter supplies than any significant uplift in consumer demand.
Clean cattle base prices are generally 590–600p/kg, although there remains considerable scope for negotiation. It does feel as though, in some cases, Peter is simply being robbed to pay Paul. We have firm demand for clean cattle, young bulls and OTM cattle. If you have cattle approaching finish, why not give us a call?
Cull cows continue to sell well, with some members taking theopportunity to offload passengers and prioritise grass for more productivestock. We require more cows every week, including well-fed beef cows andplainer dairy types.
Bluetongue movement restrictions across the border are beginning to influence certain sectors of the cattle trade, particularly the beef × dairy calf market, where localised shortages have developed. The improving finished trade is also feeding confidence back into the store market, with renewed demand for store cattle, particularly from specific regions where grass supplies remain plentiful. More store cattle are required to satisfy current demand.
Sheep
Demand for prime lambs has remained excellent over the past week, with base prices strengthening slightly to 800–820p/kg and premiums available for well-fleshed lambs with good meat.
As is normal for the time of the year we have seen a significant increase in the number of plainer lambs coming forward as many producers look to market lambs straight off their mothers at weaning. Several members have now started feeding, helped by the increased availability of reasonably priced new crop barley.
Some members are reducing target weights to around 38kg, with demand remaining exceptionally strong for these slightly lighter lambs. Please give your fieldsman an accurate description of your lambs when booking, as this allows us to match them with the most suitable outlet and maximise your returns. If you are unsure about finish or specification, our experienced team is always happy to provide advice and a second opinion.
Store lamb prices have eased slightly over the past week as the continuing dry weather begins to affect grazing in the East. We currently have a number of buyers looking for medium and short-keep lambs, so if feeding them through is not an option, please get in touch.
Organics
Organic finished cattle continue to trade around 740p/kg, with demandremaining steady, although longer journey times can still present challengesfrom some areas.
Organic lamb demand has been variable, with prices generally ranging from 860–900p/kg depending on specification. Organic lambs into 3 abattoirs, with increased seasonal processing coming on in August. Continued dry conditions, particularly in southern areas, will probably reduce the number of finished organic lambs coming forward nationally over the coming weeks.
Organic store cattle and store lambs are now beginning to come onto themarket. If you are looking to purchase organic stock, please contact theoffice.
For Sale
Ayrshire bullocks 450kg MG
70 Scotch Mule Gimmers LB MG
90 Romney x Perendale hill gimmers. JW
250 Romney running lambs HM
Organic Mule gimmers HM
Abertex x ewe lambs HM
Cheviot Mules Ewes NG, LB
Texel x Mule Gimmers AN,NG, JW
Organic Blackface flock. Genuine dispersal HM
200 store lambs. Scottish DM, NG, HM
100 Store lambs. English NG
14 Galloway bullocks NG
Blackie store lambs available Aug PC
Stock bulls available
Wanted
200 store lambs 38kg plus LB/JW
25 Hereford x dairy calves on or off milk August/Sept JW
200 Suffolk x mixed age ewes JW
Regular aged hill ewes HM
Store lambs HM, JW, NG, LB, AN
Organic store cattle PC
Grazing cattle HM
Angus x dairy stores all weights HM, MG, NG, JW
Scottish Organic winter gazing for hill lambs JW
