Last week’s official average price from AHDB for a Scottish R4L steer was 394p/kg, and only in 2013 and 2017 have there been higher prices at this time of year.

It a substantial turnaround from the low point in April when prices were around 335p/kg for an R4L steer.

“The UK has one of the highest producer prices for beef across Europe and the world, and the gap has widened in the past quarter,” said Stuart Ashworth, director of economics services at Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).

He pointed out that in normal times this would make the UK an attractive market for importing countries such as the Republic of Ireland, but there is little evidence that imports have increased in response to firm domestic prices.

“Lower demand (due to COVID-19) from out of home eating, a sector which is sensitive to the cost of materials used in meal preparation, is likely to have reduced demand for imported meat,” he said.