BEEF PRODUCERS are facing delays getting animals slaughtered, while also suffering prices lower than the same time last year.

Many beef animals are now in perfect condition to head to slaughter, but a combination of lower retail demand for beef and a weak euro is making exports more difficult. And, it means beef cattle are backing up on farms waiting for slots to enter abattoirs.

Adding to the problem is the fact that prices to prodcers are lower than the same time in 2014. Deadweight prices for Scottish steers passing through abattoirs last week averaged just more than 360p per kg - 20p per kg less than at the same time in 2014. That means an average finished steer weighing 600kg is worth £120 per head less when it enters the food chain, compared to last spring.

NFU Scotland's livestock committee chairman, Charlie Adam, who keeps beef cows at Braeside, near Alford, in Aberdeenshire, said farmers are now struggling to get cattle slaughtered when they are in their prime.

He explained: "Lower demand, falling prices and abattoir delays at this time of year appear to have become perennial problems for Scotland's beef producers.

"While experts point to a tightening of supplies later in the year, the reality for many beef producers is that prices are now substantially lower than last year.

"While these may be offset by lower feed costs this season, the delays experienced in getting animals away to abattoirs when they are at their peak runs the risk of cattle no longer meeting the specification demanded by processors and the marketplace."

Imports are also having an effect on the situation for Scottish beef farmers, added Mr Adam, with imports from Ireland up 10% according to Quality Meat Scotland figures. This meat is seemingly being used in the food manufacturing and foodservice sectors - potentially lowering demand for home-produced beef and mince.

He said the sector can be made more robust, however, and added: "NFUS will continue to work with QMS through its Beef Marketing Strategy Group. We welcome its decision to adjust the timing of next year's beef campaign to include Easter and believe it will help stimulate demand for Scotch during this holiday period."

A spokesman for the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers explained that supply and demand was affecting the sector: "Today's market is being hugely influenced by supply and demand issues within the whole UK meat sector, with the added aspects of the ongoing battle for market share at the retail point and the sterling/euro influence on exports adding to current pressures.

"The entire meat chain is also having to carry the burden of increased waste disposal costs, which have risen sharply over the last year, reducing processor margins at the same time.

"In that context, however, cattle prices now are still higher than in either 2012 or 2013, with last year's record levels standing out as a trade which would always have been difficult to repeat.

"In addition, we whole-heartedly share the NFUS/QMS commitment to make maximum use of the Beef Marketing Strategy Group."