Copa-Cogeca, the umbrella organisation representing EU farm unions and co-ops, has released new EU-28 cereals estimates for the 2014/15 marketing year, though the growing season is still in its early stages.

Many member states have reported a positive crop situation due to the mild winter and good winter sowings.

Despite uncertainty about the planting season for maize, the overall area should be stable with EU grain production estimated to rise by 1.5% compared to last year.

Market round-up

Wallets Marts sold 145 store heifers in Castle Douglas yesterday to a top of 294.2p per kg and an average of 224.9p (+4.1p on the previous sale), while 286 store bullocks peaked at 288.5p and levelled at 228.6p (-1.1p). Harrison & Hetherington Ltd sold 26 prime heifers in Carlisle yesterday to a top of 279.5p and an average of 209.8p (+25.3p), while 28 prime bullocks peaked at 238.5p and levelled at 205.8p (+8.9p). Thirty-five prime, beef-bred bulls sold to 228.5p and averaged 192.5p (+13.9p), while 39 prime, dairy-bred bulls peaked at 172.5p and levelled at 138.7p (-3.1p).

In the rough ring 102 beef cows averaged 154.5p (+14.2p) and 129 dairy cows levelled at 112.6p (+4.2p). Ten bulls averaged 154.4p (+25.9p).

The firm also sold 1344 prime hoggs to a top of £113.80 per head and 277.6p per kg to average 212.8p (-0.8p). The 54 cast sheep forward saw ewes sell to £135.50 for Texels.

John Swan Ltd sold 48 prime heifers in St Boswells yesterday to a top of 259p and an average of 220.6p (+7.7p), while 47 prime bullocks peaked at 241p and levelled at 208.5p (-1.3p). In the rough ring 55 beef-type cows averaged 145.4p (no change).

The firm also sold 2689 prime hoggs to a top of £110 and 256.4p to average 215.8p (+6.9p).

The 311 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £130 for Texels and average £89.28, while light ewes peaked at £111 for Cheviots and levelled at £57.47.

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 2310 prime hoggs at Ayr yesterday to a top of £115 and 232.5p to average 202.7p (+2.4p). The 504 cast sheep forward saw ewes sell to £147 for Texels and £82.50 for Blackfaces.

Lawrie and Symington Ltd sold 11 prime heifers in Lanark yesterday to a top of 254p and an average of 235.4p (+15.8p), while 8 prime, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 249p and levelled at 216.1p (+3.6p). Eleven prime, B&W bullocks sold to 169p and averaged 158p (+2p).

In the rough ring 15 beef cows averaged 132p (+4p) and 17 dairy cows levelled at 105p (-18p). Thirteen OTM cattle averaged 109p (-2p.

The firm also sold 3425 prime hoggs to a top of £112 and 237.2p to average 210.2p (+7p). The 339 cast sheep forward saw ewes sell to £141.50 for a Texel and £92.50 for Blackfaces, with the overall average levelling at £71.92.