Farm Stock (Scotland) Ltd, the farmer-owned livestock marketing co-operative based in the Scottish borders, is actively seeking to source thousands of additional prime hoggs between now and June, thanks to the commitment of Marks & Spencer to supply 100 per cent Scotch lamb/hogg throughout the year.

The demand has created a new outlet for 10-20,000 prime animals with dressed carcase weights of between 16 and 21kg, to be sourced from M&S Select Farms in Scotland - M&S carry out their own farm assurance audit to approve their Select Farms. The lambs/hoggs must have full Scottish provenance, and be slaughtered at Scotbeef, Bridge of Allan.

Steve McLean, Head of Agriculture at M&S, who announced the move to 100 per cent Scotch lamb in their Scottish stores at the Farm Stock's supply chain conference back in October 2016, commented: "We know that our customers really like to buy regionally-sourced meat, so we have been working hard with our suppliers to find a way to bring them a year-round supply of lamb from Scottish farms.

"In 2016 we sourced UK lamb for 42 weeks of the year, For 2017, we have not made the switch to New Zealand lamb in our Scottish stores, and instead we will supply 100 per cent Scotch lamb throughout the year."

Farm stock is owned by five regional livestock marketing groups - Scott Country Lamb, Lothian Lamb, Galloway Lamb, Ayrshire Lamb and Caledonian Organics. With well over 1000 participating farmers, Farm Stock is the largest single co-operative of its type operating within the Scottish livestock industry, with a turnover in excess of £13m from handling sheep and cattle.

Ian Watson, Chairman of Farm Stock, said: "This new market is great news for our farmers, and I am sure they are up to the challenge of delivering stock to meet this fantastic opportunity. M&S is to be applauded for making this commitment to our industry, it is now our turn to ensure that we meet its expectations."

Market round-up

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 1399 prime hoggs in Newton Stewart yesterday to a top of £86 for two pens of heavyweight Texels from W McKie, High Threave and 195.2p per kg for 42kg Texels from B Corcoran, Viewfield, with the overall average levelling at 162.5p (+3.5p on the week).

Included within that average were 532 Blackfaces that sold to £74 for heavyweights from G Campbell, Larg, Creetown and to 171.4p per kg for a pen from Garheugh Farm Partnership, to average 160.2p (+5.2p).

The firm also had 285 cast sheep forward when ewes sold to £118 for Texels and £52.50 for Blackfaces, while rams peaked at £117 for a Texel.