There are 'some rays of sunshine' on the horizon for beef producers chasing better product prices, according to an industry expert.

A slight turnaround in the last six weeks could continue into the winter months for a series of reasons, said Debbie Butcher, senior analyst at EBLEX, the division of the Agriculture and Horticulture Board which delivers services to beef and lamb levy payers in England.

Farmers' share of the retail price of beef is at its lowest level for almost five years, causing widespread and understandable concern across an industry under many pressures.

Speaking to the EDP, Ms Butcher said the room for optimism came amidst a background of falling Irish production, a historic short term 'over heating' increase in beef price following the 2013 'horsegate' scandal and the shorter winter days, which traditionally fuel consumer demand.

Irish beef, which has long had a significant presence in the UK retail market, has been particularly popular among the big supermarkets recently because of its comparatively low price, at one point selling for 80p/kg less than the domestic product, a gap which has stood at an average of 20p/kg over the last few years.

That pressure has begun to alleviate with reducing Irish production.

'This upturn was forecast, but is perhaps slightly ahead of what we were expecting,' said Ms Butcher.

'There are certainly some rays of sunshine and the balance appears to have tipped in favour of the producer.'

The issue of low beef prices will be high on the agenda when East of England livestock farmers meet at Newmarket on Wednesday.

NFU national livestock adviser Tom Fullick will be updating regional livestock board members on how the NFU is tackling the issue.

He will also be setting out how the NFU has challenged retailers over their lack of support for British spring lamb, with imported meat often taking centre stage in supermarket displays.

Other items under discussion will include bovine TB, livestock movement controls and an update on the regional work of EBLEX.

NFU East Anglia livestock adviser Adam Scott said: 'The dramatic fall in the beef price over the past few months is a major concern and this meeting will be an opportunity for members to hear how the NFU is working on their behalf.'

The meeting takes place at the NFU regional office in Newmarket at 6pm and is open to all NFU members with livestock interests. Members can book their place by calling 01638 672100 or by emailing meetingsea@nfu.org.uk.