BUTCHERS across the region are bracing for a busy festive season as the demand for Christmas supplies ramps up.
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Despite the region's ongoing drought conditions, several businesses have seen record-breaking supply for Christmas hams and other traditional favourites.
Pork prices have risen across the country due to a swine flu outbreak overseas, but local butchers have seen limited impact so far.
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Paddock to Plate Butchery owner Steve Thompson said demand had grown in recent days after a slow start to the month.
"We understand things are pretty tight at the moment with the drought really taking a toll," Mr Thompson told the Leader.
"However, things started a bit slow but have really been going pretty well since.
"Hams have been extremely popular, while people have been less inclined to go for things like pork rolls and other regular Christmas foods."
Mr Thompson said he "could only hope" business continued to boom leading into Christmas.
"What the next couple of weeks will look like is a bit of an unknown at the moment," he said.
"Hopefully it can continue to be busy for us and other businesses in town.
"Either way, we will continue to stock fresh, locally produced hams for people to enjoy over Christmas."
Kays Wholesale Meats manager Trevor Davis said his business had also seen a spike in demand for ham, as well as prawns.
"I think people really gravitate towards the ham because it is traditional, plus it goes a lot further than other meats," Mr Davis said.
"From a seafood side of things, we have seen a lot of people put in an order for prawns.
"In fact, we've seen more than double the amount of prawns ordered from last year, which is exciting.
"We have had to double our order from the suppliers for prawns, that's how popular they are.
"As well as that, oysters have been pretty popular as well.
"It's looking like we are going to be pretty busy, but we are still more than happy to accept people's orders ahead of Christmas."