Springing Into The Livestock Calendar

For many farmers, spring is both one of the busiest and most rewarding times of the year. As I write this the sun is beginning to shine, and I know that many are in the middle of the lambing and calving bubble, with long days, late nights. Everyone on the farm will be working hard to rear the next generation of stock and some will have the added pressure of getting crop into the ground to feed them too. This is such a busy time of year for farmers, but also one that reminds us why farming remains such a special way of life.

 

My job on the farm at home is to feed the hungry man power doing these jobs, my husband often casually asks me to feed 6 men for tea with a few hours’ notice and minimal supplies in the fridge but I enjoy a challenge and turn out carb heavy, hopefully tasty, homemade food for those working all the hours to beat the weather!

 

As we move into May, many of the lambing sheds and calving pens will begin to quieten down, and attention will quickly turn to the next chapter of the farming calendar. The grass is starting to grow and days are getting longer, and there is a real sense of optimism in the air. This is the time of year when many producers get what we often call “grass fever”, the urge to get stock turned out and make the most of the growing season ahead and head to our marts to secure quality stock to eat the lush grass!

 

This seasonal shift is already being reflected in the marketplace. Here at H&H we are seeing increasing interest from buyers looking for cattle to put out to grass, and with that comes more numbers coming through the door. Encouragingly, as we head into the spring trading period there is plenty of good quality stock on offer, and confidence amongst both buyers and sellers appears strong.

 

For many producers, purchasing the right cattle at this stage is an important decision for the months ahead. Whether buying stores to grow on, stronger grazing type of cattle or replacement stock, the spring grass market often sets the tone for the season. Demand quality stock is expected to remain strong across all of our centres in the coming weeks,

 

Alongside cattle, the sheep trade is also beginning to gather momentum. Breeding sheep sales are now starting to come through, and it won’t be long before spring sheep sales are in full swing. As ever, quality and presentation will be key, with buyers keen to purchase productive, sheep that will deliver in the seasons ahead.

 

Looking ahead to May, one of the major highlights in our calendar are the annal Spring Bull Sales. Here at Harrison & Hetherington, we conduct sales on behalf of many of the leading pedigree societies, and we are anticipating another busy season. Entries are still coming forward, but we are currently on course to offer in the region of 700 head o through the sale rings here at Borderway.

 

Demand for pedigree bulls remains strong and in recent seasons, values for bulls have risen significantly with many breeds now averaging close to and in some cases above £10,000. While that represents a major investment, the long-term value of a quality bull should never be underestimated. Strong genetics, consistency and performance can influence a herd for years to come, and when measured against current store stock returns, many see this investment as worthwhile.

 

Farming never stands still and one season flows straight into the next. Here at Harrison & Hetherington, we are proud to support farmers throughout their entire livestock calendar. From store cattle and breeding sheep to pedigree bulls, prime stock and everything in between, we aim to offer a true livestock supermarket, whatever the season, whatever the requirement.