Farmstrong Scotland are carrying out their annual 2025Wellbeing survey for farmers and crofters. Please click on the link to takepart.
https://online1.snapsurveys.com/FS2025On
Cattle
Prime cattle remain at historically highprices with prices in the region of 635-645p/kg with supply and demand evenlybalanced at present. Looking back the trade is over 120p/kg ahead of the sameweek in 2024. Native premiums 10-15p.
Looking at cattle slaughter weights, itis clear that with reduced cereal prices many members are looking to put extrakg on their cattle. AHDB reports that cattle slaughter numbers are back 5% onthe year to the end of August.
We have firm demand for cull cows withtransport the main limiting factor to uplift. Trade feels very firm for thetime of the year with the good weather delaying housing. More cows,particularly beef bred wanted. Trade 540-565p base
The livestock sectors drive to efficiency and the demise of so many Autumn calving suckler herds coupled with a shift to later outdoor April lambing flocks is creating a greater pinch point for livestock transport at what was already a very busy time of year! Thank you to all of our fantastic lorry drivers and haulage contractors and the amazing job that they do!!
We have strong demand for store cattle350-450kg, especially Angus. Also we have firm orders for suckled calves andunprecedented demand for beef x dairy calves on and off the milk.
Sheep
The prime lamb peak out ofthe North of the UK has arrived approximately 2-3 weeks later than normal. Thetrade is sitting 640-665p/kg, which is approximately 50p/kg ahead of last year orapproximately £10/head. Exporters are complaining about disappointing marginsinto Western Europe which is keeping a lid on the trade. August bought storelambs are still yet to leave a margin. Recently released Defra (table below) releaseddata points towards a further decline in the English Sheep flock- now thesmallest since records began. Forward bookings are now coming in for largenumber of light lambs required for the 2nd week on November onwards.
Please be aware that some processors are beginning to belly clip lambs. Please speak to your fieldsman to discuss this.
Organics
Organic cattle to 740p in the last week. Strong premiums available. More wanted, especially on the East side! Keen demand for Organic store cattle.
Organic lamb numbers continueto come forward thick and fast in these mild grassy conditions, organic lambsinto 3 abattoirs this week.
Wanted
· 8-16month old store cattle for outwintering. Helen.
· White faced store lambs 30-35kg. Helen.
· Angus and Blue Calves on and off the milk. Helen, David
· Texel and Suffolk store lambs wanted. JW
· Cheviot and Blackie drafts wanted. HM
· Good blackface store lambs required. JW HM NG
· Native bred Scottish Cattle 12-18months. JW AN HM DM
For sale
· 20 Tex x Mule Gimmers NG
· 100 Tex x mule 1-3crops NG
· 25 Charolais Heifers 500kg NG
· 50 Blackface ewe lambs JW
· Organic store cattle 350kg MG
