Farmers working together 30 years on

FARM Stock Scotland is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026 and their message remains clear: collaboration between farmers still delivers strength in the marketplace. The organisation is marking three decades of farmer-led livestock marketing for beef and sheep producers across Scotland. It was established in 1996 by a group of farmers determined to strengthen their position in an increasingly consolidated livestock sector. And the co-operative has grown into a trusted routes to market for cattle and sheep. What began as informal collaboration between producers seeking stronger selling power and secure payment has evolved into a professionally run organisation marketing significant numbers of livestock each year. Despite this growth, the core principle remains unchanged: farmers working together to achieve better outcomes. Over the past three decades the co-operative has helped members navigate major industry challenges, including BSE, Foot-and-Mouth disease, Brexit and ongoing market volatility. A key strength of the Farm Stock model is its ability to aggregate livestock from multiple farms, giving processors consistent numbers of in-spec cattle and lambs while maintaining the independence of individual producers. Robert Hall, from Moniaive, above, is chairman of the board of directors. He said: “Farm Stock Scotland was built by farmers who wanted a fair, safe and dependable route to market. “Thirty years on, those priorities haven’t changed, and furthermore our trading of store animals between farms has enormous advantages for buyers and sellers.” Looking ahead to their fourth decade, Robert added: “Farm Stock’s priorities remain clear: Helping members by canvassing outlets to maximise returns, managing risk, and remaining competitive in a rapidly changing agricultural landscape.”