Business and Policy November 2026 – Beef

Beef Price Ramps Up 

Scottish finished prices have lifted significantly since mid-September, as procurement for the Christmas period intensifies. Tightening supplies alongside a steady demand mean that prime cattle prices remain strong at present.  

For week ending October 3, prices showed sustained improvement, increasing consecutively for a fourth week sitting at 646p/kg/deadweight. Average GB prices were +7p/kg (635p/kg) with steers averaging 637p/kg/dwt and heifers 635p/kg/dwt. Deadweight prices in Scotland have continued to trend upwards, with R4L steers sitting at 652.3p/kg/dwt for week ending October 17. GB prime values for week ending October 17 rose 2p from the week previous to 645p/kg, representing the sixth week in a row of firm price increases. At the end of October prices were around 657p/kg/dwt for Scottish R4L grades. At the time of writing cattle prices have started to come under slight pressure over the last week, with plenty of cattle coming available despite firm demand from processors for Christmas kills.  

Finished prices lifting is encouraging for producers after a difficult first half of the year and will come as a relief to many finishers who undoubtedly have bought expensive store cattle during a time of limited margins. Finishers will be hoping that the recent momentum in prices continues, given the high cost of replacing finishing cattle.  

Store Cattle and Weaned Calves 

The store cattle trade in Scotland remains firm and well-supported at major auction centres, although buyers are feeling the impact of high diesel costs. 

 Store cattle (10 months age to 16 months approx.) trade remains firm with good demand. The main store cattle sales in September and October have seen stores trading strongly although not at the levels witnessed in autumn 2025. Notedly trade at this time last year was exceptional. There are variances in store trade across the country with some markets and producers reportedly back £50 to £100 per head. The variable Scottish weather will have impacted calf quality, with the eastern side of the country having been very dry and hot compared with the west where a wet summer has contributed to lighter calves.  

Weaned calves (5 months to 9 months age approx.) are a buoyant trade. Producers last year received record prices for suckled calves, with many anticipating that prices at those levels could not be sustained this year. At some of the recent October sales prices have lifted from 2025 levels by £70 to £120 per head, however typically those selling strong continental weaned calves are £50 to £100 per head back on last year.  

 

Autumn Bull Sales  

Trade at the recent United Auctions Stirling October bull sale was once again underpinned by commercial buyers. 200 bulls were traded at the sale with averages mixed across the breeds. Charolais and Simmentals were in demand and led the prices at 30,000gns.  

Limousin bulls averaged £7829 (-£1500 from last year) while Aberdeen Angus averaged £7872 (+£216 on 2025). Charolais bulls averaged £10,826 (+£1803 on the year). £11,025 was the sale average for the Simmental breed.  

 

The Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (SSBSS)  

Applications are currently open for the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (SSBSS). Online submission is the easiest and quickest way to apply. The closing date for submitting 2026 claims is 14th January 2027.  

As a reminder to be eligible for payment, calves must meet all the existing SSBSS eligibility requirements, as well as the new 410-day calving interval condition, unless the 10-calf small herd derogation applies. Further information can be found her on eligibility – https://www.fas.scot/news/ssbss-2026/  

Scottish Government earlier in the year confirmed that the 410-day calving interval requirement introduced in 2025 will remain unchanged for 2027 claims. However, at the recent NFUS autumn conference it was announced that in 2028 and 2029 the calving interval will reduce from 410 days to 400 days or less.   

 

Sarah Balfour, sarah.balfour@sac.co.uk

Week Ending	R4L Steers (p/kg dwt)			-U4L Steers			Young Bulls -U3L		Cull cows
		Change on week	Diff over North Eng.		Change on week	Diff over North Eng.		Diff over North Eng.	R4L	-O3L
3-Oct-26	646.8	1.9	2	645	6	4.4	633.4	2.5	527.2	501.3
10-Oct-26	652.7	5.9	-0.3	647.5	2.5	2	645.8	14.9	533.1	511.2
17-Oct-26	652.3	-0.4	-2.9	652.4	4.9	-1.3	643.9	11.5	533.1	507.8
24-Oct-26	657.4	5.1	-1.9	654.8	2.4	-1.4	651.2	16.3	532.9	506.8