Livestock price data

Organic livestock prices

November 2024

	£ / kg deadweight Data courtesy of OLMC
Prime cattle - Finished stock (Average R4L UTM in spec)	£6.00
Cull cow - Finished stock (Average R4L OTM in spec)	£4.20
Lamb - Finished stock (Average R3L NSL in spec)	£6.48

N.B. Prices serve as a guide only and are averaged from information collected from key producers and traders.

Market Reports November 2024

Courtesy of OLMC (www.olmc.co.uk). Please note, prices accurate at time of writing but may alter due to market volatility.

Finished Stock Marketing Report

Prime Cattle

The trade for organic finished cattle has reached probably an all time high. The demand for organic beef still remains buoyant and the supplies coming forward are certainly tighter. It’s quite likely we will see the price continue to rise a little more into the New Year.

Generally, the quality coming through is good, for the most part well finished. However, we are seeing some native breeds struggling to reach better weights especially where they are to be slaughtered by 30 months to ensure organic premium.

Average R4L Organic UTM in spec @ 600p/kg deadweight.

Cull Cow

The cull cow trade both conventional and organic continues to be strong. A little dip back in price as more cows hit the market in the early autumn. The price has improved again, cull cow numbers are definitely tighter and would seem to stay that way for a while. With this supply shortage and continued demand for processing meat, it is likely that better prices are here for a while.

Average R4L Organic OTM Cow in spec @ 420p/kg deadweight.

Lamb

The lamb prices have started to improve again after a small slide backwards during September and October. Abattoirs are keen to ensure that they have enough stock to fulfil any promotions pre Christmas.

The numbers have been tighter after a challenging end of summer, which was wet most of the time. Lambs have done better on grass and fodder crops over the more recent dry period. Fodder crops have established and grass has continued to grow, allowing a late flush of finished lambs in some parts of the country.

Average R3L organic NSL in spec @ 648p/kg deadweight.

For more information, please contact Tim Leigh on 07850 366404.

Store Stock Marketing Report

I have been reporting a strengthening cattle trade for the last 3 years now and the market for beef cattle just keeps going from strength to strength. The GB R4L price this week is standing at £530 per kg (source AHDB) with considerable premiums available for organic cattle. This strength in the finished trade has, as you would expect, filtered down to store cattle. Beef sired store cattle of any quality over 13-14 months old rarely make less than £1000, with plenty of cattle making over £1300-£1400 and a few record breakers coming to over £1500.

Equally, store lambs are in strong demand with shortages of all types of organic lambs.

If you have store cattle or store lambs available, it is really worth talking to us about how you can maximise your returns in this very buoyant market.

Turning to a less positive subject. If you are under TB restriction it is vitally important that you plan the marketing of your TB restricted stock carefully to get the best returns. Generally, organic AFU operators are looking for the bigger cattle, over 400kgs. But if you need to sell smaller we can still help. This applies to dairy, and beef bred cattle. The main thing is that you give us plenty of notice. We can find an appropriate home for cattle that will have cost you money to produce, and rightly you need to find a return on your investment.

Bluetongue has been causing us a problem. As I speak, we have three lots of organic cattle that are being held up due to the restrictions. I’m encouraged by reports that the restrictions could be lifted if we get a prolonged period of cold weather.

If we can help in any way with the marketing of your organic store cattle or lambs, please don’t hesitate to call David or Peter on 01828 730580 or 07720 892922.

Peter Jones OLMC