NFU Scotland is to work with the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW) to ensure beef finishers receive clear and consistent messages on the weight and specification of cattle that are needed and that such market signals are received well in advance of traditional peak sales.

It will also help to better understand the other market forces that influence cattle prices in the rest of the UK and Ireland. NFUS president Nigel Miller said: "While our beef sector has enjoyed a buoyant period in recent times, we need the market to be sending out the right signals so that any confidence built up doesn't quickly evaporate. Prices go up and down for many reasons and we need to better understand what is behind this."

A shift to spring calving, more cattle finished intensively at 12 to 14 months of age and the traditional supply of finished cattle at this time of year have combined to put over-supply pressure on the system. Mr Miller added: "There are underlying issues that we need to examine and address so that we can manage production cycles and align them with demand.

"While we need to discuss with the wholesalers how we manage the coming few weeks, we also need to send out clear messages at an early stage on the specification and weight of cattle, potential premiums attached to meeting specification and penalties if cattle have outgrown current retailer requirements."

Alan McNaughton, president of SAMW, the umbrella body for abattoirs and meat processors in Scotland, said: "We welcome any involvement with NFUS which will help to correct negative market factors such as the delivery of overweight or overfat cattle. Certainly in relation to the year-round sourcing of stock there is no room for cattle to be lost to the premium Scotch industry purely due to them not being produced to the required standards.

"The reality of the current situation, however, is that the industry across the whole of the UK and Ireland is experiencing a shift in the supply/demand balance which has resulted in a lowering of prices in all countries.

"The reduction [to prices] which had applied in Scotland to date, in fact, is not as much as has been seen in other parts of the UK and Ireland, a reality which still leaves many of our members at a trading disadvantage."

Market round-up

Lawrie & Symington sold 646 store heifers in Lanark on Tuesday to a top of 267.1p per kg and an average of 212.1p, while 661 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 298p and levelled at 233.8p. Eighty-four store, dairy-bred bullocks sold to 214p and averaged 143p.

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 519 prime hoggs in Newton Stewart yesterday to a top of £95.50 per head and 221.7p per kg to average 195p (no change on the week), while 23 prime lambs peaked at £110 and 232.6p to level at 223.3p (-10.2p). The 234 cast sheep forward saw ewes sell to £105 for Suffolks and £69 for Blackfaces.