contact@caledonianorganics.co.uk

News Update January 20th 2012

Sales of Organic products continue to attract healthy premiums for producers with Beef at around 20p premium, Lamb at around 15p premium, and Cows around 30p premium. In these difficult trading times it must give encouragement to the committed Organic producer that the public still feel that buying Organic produce is worth paying a little extra for.

News Update January 17th 2012

The one bright spot in the sheep world just now is Organic with all the main processors keen to secure enough supplies. As numbers continue to tighten, the trade can only get stronger in the long term. Beef supply and demand is just about, right now with price holding at 360p/kg with no waiting list.

News Update December 22nd 2011

Organic beef and lamb has been the most stable of the red meat commodities to market over the last year with steady demand, if not spectacular for both of the main commodities. Highlights for Organic producers must be when Lamb went to 570p/kg in early June and with beef selling to 370p/kg in November we hope producers have had a very good year. The Directors and Staff would like to wish all producers a Very Merry Christmas and a profitable New Year.

News Update December 9th 2011

Stability is the name of the game in the Organic world with beef still trading around 370p/kg and lambs in the region of 465p/kg. However it is pleasing to note that there is now no waiting list, and there is a worthwhile premium for Organic produce. For those whom it may concern there is planned an Organic kill for over thirty month cattle early in January, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

News Update December 2nd 2011

Organic supplies seem to be keeping up with demand which is encouraging at this time. Beef has at long last shown a rise to around 370p/kg, and with lamb now making in the region of 435p/kg. Producers can look forward to worthwhile returns in the coming months. Both Organic store cattle and store lambs are keenly sought after, so if you are a seller please give us a call on 01750 723366.

News Update November 28th 2011

Organic supplies seem to be keeping up with demand which is encouraging at this time. Beef has at long last shown a rise to around 370p/kg, and with lamb now making in the region of 435p/kg. The strike threat by meat inspectors on Wednesday is likely to disrupt abattoir activity so please check with us if you have stock booked on Wednesday. Producers can look forward to worthwhile returns in the coming months. Both Organic store cattle and store lambs are keenly sought after, so if you are a seller please give us a call on 01750 723366.

News Update November 18th 2011

With a new option available to producers this week we have killed a load of Organic cattle at an R grade price of 370p. LetÕs hope the other processors quickly fall in to line. Organic lamb continues to attract a premium of 10p/kg over conventional bred lamb and it is pleasing to say there is now no waiting list to shift them. If anyone out there is looking for store cattle we have a nice selection at this time, please contact the office for more details on 01750 723366.

News Update November 11th 2011

With a new option available to producers this week we have killed a load of Organic cattle at an R grade price of 365p. Organic lamb continues to attract a premium of 10p kg over conventional bred lamb and it is pleasing to say there is now no waiting list to shift them. If any one out there is looking for store cattle we have a nice selection at this time, please contact the office for more details on 01750 723366. We have a list of customers looking to purchase Organic stores so please get in touch if you have any to sell.

News Update November 4th 2011

Over the last week prices for Organic prime stock have remained static at 365p Kg for beef and 395p Kg for lamb. At this time we have a nice selection of Organic store cattle available so if you wish to invest in the future please contact the office for further details. The next Organic OTM kill is being planned for week commencing 7/11/11 so please book early to avoid disappointment.

News Update October 31st 2011

Organic prices seem to have hit the ceiling, as we have seen none of the increases the commercial trade has experienced in the last two months. UTM Organic beef has levelled at 365p kg, OTM Organic beef are trading at 315p kg, Lambs are still difficult to sell in any volume and are making little more than commercial values. We have large numbers of store stock available so if you are thinking of investing for the future please give us a call as we have stock available to suit all buyers.

News Update October 22nd 2011

Organic red meat products have remained stable in price yet again, however the demand seems to be positive for beef as numbers remain tight. It looks like the Organic lamb market will follow the same path as last year with supplies running short as we approach the end of the year. This will hopefully give the feeders a worthwhile return for those brave enough to purchase stores.

News Update October 10th 2011

Yet again there is no movement in the price of any of the main Organic red meat products. Clean beef is trading at 365p Kg, Cull Cows are making in the region of 315p for R4L, and lambs are currently making 395p Kg ( although throughput is slow).

News Update September 26th 2011

Organic prices seem to have hit the ceiling, as we have seen none of the increases the commercial trade has experienced in the last two months. UTM Organic beef has levelled at 365p kg, OTM Organic beef are trading at 315p kg, Lambs are still difficult to sell in any volume and are making little more than commercial values.

We have large numbers of store stock available so if you are thinking of investing for the future please give us a call as we have stock available to suit all buyers.

News Update September 17th 2011

Good news on the Organic beef front: after a brief blip prices have been raised by a further 5p to 365p Kg. The even better news is that Organic cows are now trading at 315p Kg for R4L grades. Organic lamb continues to be a challenge to us as demand has taken a dive over the last four weeks. We do however think this a seasonal dip as long term the prospects remain good. Store lambs are plentiful right now and we have a fantastic selection available please phone the Farm Stock office for more details on 01750 723366.

News Update September 12th 2011

Large volumes of Organic beef are coming forward of grass at this time and we are just about getting to a waiting list situation, so if you wish to sell in the next few weeks, give us a call so we can get them booked in early to avoid disappointment. Organic Lamb continues to sell but at a reduced premium on the year. With the current wet weather many lambs will be clipped to avoid dirty presentation, but producers will need to be aware that the value of skins is quite high at the moment. Clipping decimates the value of the skin and you risk a price penalty if you present clipped or Easycare sheep. It is better to house the sheep to dry off and clean before haulage to processor.

News Update September 5th 2011

We seem to be at peak marketing time for Organic cattle as large volumes are now being offered for sale. Prices for Organic beef are holding up well at 365p Kg and the ratio of supply and demand is just about right. We have managed to sell more Organic lamb this week at a modest premium. There is a large demand for Organic store lambs at this time, and we have been fortunate to move some large batches this week at increased prices on the year.

News Update August 26th 2011

The price rise for Organic beef has certainly brought more numbers out this week, and with an overall nationwide shortage of Organic beef, we are confident of the trade will continue to remain strong well into the autumn. With Organic lamb we have at least managed to sell some into the Organic market, letÕs hope this is the start of better things to come for the committed producer.

News Update August 12th 2011

Good news on the Organic beef front prices have been raised by a further 5p to 365p Kg. The even better news is that Organic cows are now trading at 312p Kg for R4L grades. Organic lamb continues to be a challenge to us as demand has taken a dive over the last four weeks. We do however think this a seasonal blip as long term the prospects remain good.

News Update August 8th 2011

Sales of Organic beef are steady with prices remaining at 360p Kg. Lamb sales continue to be a bit of a headache with little or no premium available, but when we can get them away the price is in the region of 420p Kg. It is however pleasing that enquires for Organic store lambs is at an all time high, and we will start trading them in the next week or so. We are arranging a cull cow kill on the 18th August, please call David in the FarmStock Ltd office to book a slot.

News Update August 1st 2011

Organic beef continues to sell well, with demand outstripping supply at this time. We are confident this will be the case for the foreseeable future. Organic lamb is the exact opposite with supply exceeding demand by a huge margin. However we are hoping that as supplies start to dry up in the south of the country the trade will undoubtedly return, to provide a useful premium for producers.

News Update July 26th 2011

At last night's AGM, Treasurer and founder Director David Finlay retired from the Board. Chairman Ross Paton gave a vote of thanks and presented David with a fine malt in appreciation of his support and steering of CalOrg over the past 7 years.

News Update July 25th 2011

Caledonian Organics Annual General Meeting will be held Monday 25th July at 7pm. All members welcome at the meeting at Best Western Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn West Lothian. The hotel is 1 mile off Junction 4 of the M8. Join the directors for a bar meal at 6pm if you would like to.

MARKET UPDATE Organic cattle continue to be the most stable commodity in the red meat industry as prices have not moved for two months, which shows supply and demand are just about right. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about lamb. As supply numbers come forward it becomes more difficult to find a market. We are doing our best to encourage the main processors to give as many people as possible a fair chance to sell into the organic system. Let Farm Stock do your procurement work for you by telephoning 01750 723366

News Update July 15th 2011

Organic cattle continue to trade at 360p kg, but they seem to have hit the buffers as far as price goes at this time. It is a worry that consumers may start to look at alternatives if the price goes much higher in these challenging times. Organic lamb sales are currently difficult, with one major processor having cut back volumes sharply on the week. We are managing to keep our feet clear at the moment, but this will become increasingly harder as more supplies come to market. On the Organic store sales side of the business, we are on the constant look out for store cattle so if you have any to sell we would like to speak to you please phone the Farm Stock office on 01750 723366.

News Update July 11th 2011

Organic cattle continue to trade at 360p kg, they seem to have hit the buffers as far as price goes at this time. It is a worry that consumers may start to look at alternatives if the price goes much higher in these challenging times. Organic lamb sales are currently difficult, with one major processor having cut back volumes sharply on the week. We are managing to keep our feet clear at the moment, but this will become increasingly harder as more supplies come to market. On the Organic store sales side of the business, we have a number of good quality cows for sale , if you are interested please call the office on 01750 723366.

News Update June 27th 2011

No change in the beef price this week, still in the region of 360p kg however as supplies tighten even further we are hopeful of price rises to come. Lamb supplies are still slow and the price has edged back to around 500p kg, but some companies in the south are bidding in the region of 455p kg. Numbers are starting to come forward so prices will be coming under supply pressure. We are looking for Organic cattle for week commencing 27/6/11 and would be delighted to speak to anyone with cattle for sale.

News Update June 17th 2011

Demand for Organic livestock is at an all time high at the moment, with prime stock selling at extreme rates. Prime cattle are selling for 360p kg and lambs are in the region of 540p, one consignor was fortunate to sell 154 lambs this week to return an average of £110.16 per head. Store cattle are keenly sought after at this time, so if you have any for sale please give the office a call on 01750 723366.

News Update June 10th 2011

All of the main types of Organic produce are in short supply and starting to command a healthy premium for the producers who have had the courage to stick with the Organic system of farming. Organic beef is trading 360p, Organic lamb around 550p kg. A note of interest for this week, we have sold the first batch of 152 new season lambs to return a superb average of £113.84, Organic cows are being priced at 300p and we can sell as many as we can lay our hands on.

News Update June 6th 2011

Both of the front line Organic red meat products are still in demand. Beef continues to trade at 350p kg and with New season lamb, priced in the region of 550p kg we are confident that the demand for Organic produce is here to stay for the foreseeable future.

News Update May 30th 2011

With a bit of pressure, one Scottish processor has reluctantly had to lift there price for cattle this week to 350pkg to secure supplies. As a guide at one English abattoir we visited this week they were paying the same for Organic as conventional at 303p kg. Organic old season lamb is still wanted, as supplies of new season are hardly ready yet in this part of the world.

News Update May 16th 2011

Lack of supply in the Organic sector is now giving processors a major headache. Both Organic cattle and sheep prices are similar to last week, 350p per kg for Beef and 550p per kg for Old Season Lambs. At this time we have a very good selection of Organic store and breeding stock for sale, if you would like more details, please contact the office on 01750 723366

News Update May 9th 2011

Yet again it is good news to report to the Organic sector, with beef now trading at 350p kg and lamb at 545p kg. All producers seem delighted with the way that the trade is going, lets all hope this is sustainable in the coming months. There is a big demand for organic store cattle at this time so if you wish to sell or but we can help. Organic breeding stock is also keenly sought after, so yet again we can help, please call the Farm Stock office on 01750 723366.

News Update April 25th 2011

All the major processors are pushing on hard to secure supplies of both Organic Beef and Lamb. A rise in numbers is forecast as ols season lambs are coming forward off spring grass, and are catching the sharp trade around at the moment. Organic beef is being priced at 340p for the coming week, showing a 30p premium over conventional product

News Update March 25th 2011

After last week’s comment on the price of Organic beef we are very pleased to report that one major processor raised the price by 10p on Monday morning to 320p for R4L Strs and Hfrs. Organic lamb is still making a 10p premium over conventional prices, returning a base price of around 485p

News Update March 18th 2011

All Organic produce is finding ready buyer’s at the moment. However we feel it is time for the beef price to rise, as organic beef has not had any of the increases seen in the conventional sector. Lamb sales have been good lately, but we are finding more buyer’s than sellers at this moment in time. As spring arrives we are looking to secure supplies of grass finished lambs for our regular outlets in the near future.

News Update March 4th 2011

Beef prices are still trading at 310p for R4L Strs & Hfrs and commands a premium of 18p per Kg over conventional. However, it has become increasingly more difficult to book cattle of late, so if you wish to sell in the near future please give us plenty of notice to avoid disappointment. Lamb continues to find a ready market with all the major processors chasing a seasonally decreasing number of lambs available to them. We are confident of price rises in the near future as supplies tighten even further. Organic store cattle are keenly sought after at this time, so please phone the office if you wish to sell or buy cattle this spring on 01750 723366.

News Update Febuary 25th 2011

Organic
Farm Stock have secured two dates for Organic kills. The date for over thirty month cattle is Thursday 3rd March and under thirty month a cattle is Thursday, 10th March. There are still a small number of slots available on both days, so if you wish to sell, please phone the office on 01750 72 33 66 as soon as possible.
Wanted
45 Organic store cattle, any breed considered around 460 kg.

News Update Febuary 18th 2011

With plenty cattle for sale at this time, it is getting extremely difficult to get cattle booked with the factories. However, we have been given two dates in early March, OTM cattle on the 3rd and under 30 mths on the 10th of March, if you wish to book cattle please phone the office as soon as possible. Lean dairy cows may be better placed for boning outlets, advice can be sought from David Marshall on 07808 329 719.

News Update Febuary 2011

Steady away is the message from the organic sector as all prices have remained the same on the week. Last week we had a kill of organic over thirty month cattle and the results lead us to suggest that plain dairy cows may be better placed to firms that specialise in boning out for export.

News Update Febuary 7th 2011

Organic beef is still in demand by the major processors and is returning a premium of 20p per kg. Cows are a steady trade with R grade cows making a premium of around 45p per kg. Organic lambs are keenly sought after with R grades making a 35p advantage over conventional.

News Update January 2011

Sales of Organic products continue to attract healthy premiums for producers with Beef at around 20p premium, Lamb at around 35p premium, and Cows around 40p premium. In these difficult trading times it must give encouragement to the committed Organic producer that the public still feel that buying Organic produce is worth paying a little extra for.

News Update 15th September 2010

All stock consignments leaving farms should be acompanied with the right paperwork. If not, you risk your animals being rejected on delivery and you will incur cost of haulage including the animals being returned to you. All the forms can be downloaded from the Farm Stock website.

You need to provide the following documents at consignment:

• the abattoir Declaration Form
• your current organic certificate
• SAMU movement form (Sheep)
• BCMS Passports (Cattle)
• Farm Assurance number

If you aren't sure which forms to use please contact Marjory in the Farm Stock office.

New Update 9th September 2010

Farmstock are currently seeking all types of organic livestock. Mule ewe lambs and gimmers are particularly sough after at the moment. Trade for organic prime stock (beef and lamb) is consistent and forward numbers are sought. Store lambs are hard to find with strong demand; if you have any for sale please contact David Marshall on 07808 329 719.

News Update 17th August 2010

Farm Stock are seeking cull cows. If you have any that can go in the next wee while please call David to add them to his list. Once we have sufficient numbers David will confirm a date Mobile 07808 239 719 or email here.

Breaking News - August 12th 2010

Farmstock urgently require: organic prime cattle, organic store lambs, organic breeding sheep. Please call David Marshall at Farm Stock 07808 329 719

Farm Stock gathers pace with organic procurement: “The last month or two has seen an unprecedented jump in the demand for prime organic beef and without CalOrg members calling us we would have struggled to get enough numbers for organic kills.” says David Marshall, Farm Stock (Scotland) Ltd’s Operations Manager. “It has been a busy time which is great news considering the past year or so when the market was giving us problems”. This was the report given at the CalOrg Annual General Meeting in July when Ian Watson, Farm Stock Chairman, paid tribute to CalOrg. Ian said “Caledonian Organics is very exciting. We see organic meat as a bright light at the moment and it is very important to our business”

Ross Paton, Caledonian Organics Chairman outlined the challenges faced by the co-operative in the past year. “It was a turbulent year with staff changes, the ending of grant funding and the economic downturn all coming in a triple whammy – and that was after foot and mouth halted all procurement at the end of 2008. But out of this, the board have made some hard decisions and pared down operational costs. We have parted friends with Graig Farm, who did a super job of managing things for us, but the time is right for Farm Stock to take on the role of procurement and we’re delighted with their fresh approach.”

“We still have some work to do on strategic direction and in the short term we want to make sure we are in regular contact with all our members. You will be hearing from us more often from now on.” As we approach the traditional season for lambs coming onto the market, David Marshall has some key advice. “I am interested in quality lamb. If CalOrg members can let me know how many lambs they have to market, and when the lambs will be ready, I can do a better job for them. And I will come and visit you if you need some advice on the look of your animals. It is vitally important we only procure stock that will make good grades so that we get the best price for our members”.