THE response of prime cattle producers to market signals about carcase size, particularly for steers, has been one of the striking features of the market over the past year.

During the first half of 2016 steers slaughtered in Scottish abattoirs were heavier than 12 months earlier, according to the latest analysis by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), the red meat promotional body.

"In April the average weight was quoted as 398kg for a steer, while the preferred weight for major retail outlets was 380kg," said Stuart Ashworth, QMS Head of Economic Services.

"However, since June steer slaughter weights in Scotland have been falling, typically to a point where they are seven to 10kg per head lower than the previous year - a decline in carcase weight of around two per cent. In October and November, steer carcases averaged 374-375kg."

Although the issue of carcase weights is not as significant for heifers, they too have been falling in weight in the final third of 2016.

The last 12 months has seen farm-gate prices for prime cattle trailing the preceding period's levels for two-thirds of the year before gaining ground in the autumn.

"Bringing more cattle into the preferred carcase weight specification, and reducing overall beef production, has offered support for prime cattle prices. Despite the number of prime stock being slaughtered rising, prime cattle traded through most of autumn at higher prices per kilo than 12 months earlier," Mr Ashworth added.