The strong beef trade of recent times continues in the run into Christmas, despite the cattle kill hitting 40,000 per week.

Manufacturing beef continues to drive the market and handles the biggest volume from the carcase, taking most of the forequarter and lower-value hind quarter cuts as well.

The really lean product used in low-fat mince and burgers, which has just 5% fat, is making around €3.70/kg (£3.35/kg), with more available for Red Tractor product produced in the North. Manufacturing beef with 15% fat is making €3.25/kg (£2.85/kg) and the higer 30% fat content product is worth €2.85/kg (£2.50/kg).

The roasting cuts from the hindquarter are much in demand this time of the year for the Christmas and new year trade, though most of this is produced by now and being transported to the retailers and wholesalers. Values remain strong in the range of €6.20/kg to €6.80/kg (£5.40/kg to £6.00/kg)

The only problem area with the beef carcase at present is steak meat, which is difficult to sell, and prices are back to where they were 10 years ago at €8/kg (£7/kg) and rumps around €6.30/kg (£5.60/kg).