The year-round challenge processors face in achieving carcase balance is brought sharply into focus during the run-up to the festive period. Evidence from retail sales analysis does not show a significant lift in the volume of beef sold, although it does reveal that the products bought change, according to QMS economist Stuart Ashworth.

"What we see over the Christmas period is that sales of beef mince and steak decline, while sales of roasting joints and stewing meat increase. Similarly, there is a growth in demand for leg roasts of lamb offset by a decline in sales of shoulders and lamb chops," Mr Ashworth explained.

"This is no different from the carcase balance challenge at other times of the year, other than the particular cuts in surplus have changed," he added.

Mr Ashworth went on: "Meeting the demand for roasting cuts can often mean cold stores filling with unsold mince, and in the retail market there is little evidence of beef selling at premium prices over the Christmas and New Year period.

"Hence, provided there are enough cattle and sheep to meet demand for roasting cuts, there is little incentive for processors to pay more."

The current volume of cattle reaching the market is still slightly below last year's levels but, because of increased carcase size and currency induced challenges in export markets, the home market remains well supplied with beef.

Lamb prices have risen in recent weeks because the supply of lambs has dipped below those of a year ago, said Mr Ashworth. However, again challenges in export markets have meant that prices have not yet risen to levels seen last year.

Analysis of the market over the festive period in recent years reveals there has not been any significant lift in prices.

"The reality is that cattle prices currently trail around 10-12p/kg deadweight lower than last year and, while prime lamb sellers have seen prices rise in the past month, they still trail year earlier levels by around 20p/kg live-weight," Mr Ashworth observed.

Market round-up

Harrison & Hetherington Ltd had 75 store cattle forward in St Boswells on Thursday when heifers sold to 271.7p per kg and averaged 197.7p, while bullocks peaked at 258.5p and levelled at 212p.

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 4394 prime lambs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £100 per head and 212.8p per kg to average 158.8p (+11.3p on the week).

A smaller show of 3322 cast sheep saw heavy ewes sell to £142 for Texels and average £72.05 (+£2.47), while light ewes peaked at £76 for Lleyns and levelled at £40.48 (-£3.19). Rams sold to £116 for a Texel.