Strong Demand Across Livestock Sectors as H&H Looks Ahead to a Busy Summer Show Season

Here at H&H May has been a busy month, with many customers returning after successfully navigating lambing, calving and first cuts of grass. Our weekly sales, pedigree bull sales, beef breeding sales and the start of the show season have provided a welcome opportunity for many to get away from the farm and catch up with fellow farmers.

The pedigree sales season got off to a tremendous start with the Limousin bull sale, which achieved a 97% clearance rate, with bulls easily finding new homes. The Charolais, British Blue, Simmental, Aberdeen Angus, Beef Shorthorn, Salers, Blonde d’Aquitaine and Hereford breeds all followed suit with strong trading.

The prime cattle trade has taken a tumble in recent months, caused predominantly by cheaper imported meat. However, there are slight signs of optimism week on week. This has had little impact on younger cattle, which continue to trade strongly, particularly calves.

Breeding sheep and prime lambs have been especially good to sell, with customers leaving pleased with the results. Numbers coming forward continue to increase weekly as producers take advantage of the strong trade, now that the weather has warmed up and grass growth has finally taken off.

The past few months have seen strong demand for all categories of dairy cattle. In particular, demand for in-calf and bulling heifers has been exceptional, reflecting the shortage of dairy replacements. One noticeable trend at present is the demand for whole herds, and we continue to trade large quantities of cattle privately from farm to farm.

The beef breeding sale attracted a packed ringside of buyers, with cattle selling readily to customers the length and breadth of the UK and topping at £9,500. Our online sales platform also hosted the Great Sydenham Send Off Sale, featuring high-quality commercial breeding cattle and demonstrating the confidence that remains within the cattle trade.

The Lanerton Farm Sale was the highlight of the May machinery sales calendar, attracting hundreds of attendees on-site and hundreds more taking advantage of the online bidding process. Strong demand saw many lots achieve values close to new prices.

We dusted off the H&H trade stand and ventured to Northumberland County Show followed closely by Cumberland Show and Scotsheep at Wedderlie Farm.  It was fantastic to catch up with so many customers, for a catch up and we are looking forward to the summer of shows and would invite anyone to call for a cuppa and a chat.

New Bluetongue regulations remain in force until September, but we are working closely with vendors and purchasers to ensure they continue to receive the best possible service. With some restrictions easing and new regulations now in place, we are confident that everyone can be catered for within Borderway this year.

Looking ahead, we have  a packed sales calendar of both live and online sales, with several exciting events on the horizon. Agri Expo entries are now open, livestock judges have been confirmed, and there are still sponsorship opportunities available.

Our sales team is always on hand to assist with any enquiries. Whether you are looking to buy or sell through the market, online or privately, we are here to help.