Trading Update: Friday 20th March 2026
Cattle
Cattle demand and supply remain finely balanced, though prices now look to have bottomed out. Finished cattle in the last week have traded at 630–640p/kg, with several processors beginning to actively chase numbers again. Premiums for native cattle remain firm, and the recent spell of drier weather is starting to tighten supplies, with many mixed farming members turning their attention to spring arable work. For context, cattle at the same point last year had just broken through the 700p/kg mark.
The cull cow trade is particularly strong, with increased processor competition pushing good cows to 560p/kg+. With many breeder-finishers now fully focused on calving and lambing, availability is expected to remain tight and the outlook remains positive.
Store cattle continue to meet an exceptionally brisk trade. The first bulling heifers are now coming forward, including annual consignments of Angus and Simmental cross cows. As always, speak to your local fieldsman for an impartial view on marketing options.
Sheep
The sheep trade remains outstanding, with heavy hoggs pushing through the £200/head barrier. Prime hoggs have ranged between 800–830p/kg (base) over the past week, driven by extremely tight numbers and strong seasonal demand. For comparison, hoggs at this time last year were trading at 690–700p/kg.
Export demand into Europe remains a key driver, as highlighted in recent AHDB data in the graph below.
With supplies still short, more hoggs are still required to meet next week’s demand.
Organics
Organic hoggs have surged alongside the conventional trade, now comfortably exceeding£8/kg. Demand from both Scottish and English processors remains strong, with more organic hoggs required weekly.
The organic clean cattle trade continues to perform, with prices reaching 770p/kg base in the last week. Demand remains consistent, and more suppliers would be welcome.
Looking ahead, organic store cattle will be required for April, presenting opportunities for sellers.
Wanted
Organic store cattle DM
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
Ewes with lambs at foot MG
Sim Luing and shorthorn x heifers (hill types) JW
Easycare triplet ewes, 1st May start NG
Suckler bred bulls NG
Good English cows with calves at foot TB1 NG
Aberdeen Angus bulls available MG DM
Shorthorn Bulls 24m MG
Hereford bulls available JW
85 Cheviot Ewe lambs, Well bred DM
10 Strong Angus Bulling heifers 18m MG
