ABP has written to suppliers to announce changes to their payment grid for English cattle from 31 July. Farmers will now see higher deductions for carcases over 420kg.

Between 420kg to 430kg, the deduction will rise from 4p to 15p from the base price. Between 430kg and 440kg the cut increases from 8p to 30p and from 440kg to 450kg farmers will get 45p cut from the base price.

This brings ABP in line with other factories that are looking to incentivise farmers to meet retailer specifications.

There has been a tightening of specifications over the spring as processors have been battling to bring carcase weights down.

Some abattoirs have started cutting the price when carcases go over 380kg, with nothing paid on weight over 400kg.

Despite the weak pound making UK exports more attractive, retailers still offer the most lucrative home for British beef. As a result, abattoirs are focused on ensuring produce fits customer demand, with weight and size of steaks of critical importance. The rise of fixed-price steaks has put further pressure on factories to ensure consistency of carcases.