Calf exports reach seven-year high

The live export of calves has hit the highest level in seven years, which has boosted demand and prices being paid in the marts for calves suitable for the export trade this year.

Calf exports for the first 10 weeks of the year reached 27,187 head, just short of the record 28,521 head exported during the same period in 2000, which was one of the strongest years for the live export of calves in two decades.

After a very slow start to the year for the live export of calves, because of the unsuitable shipping weather in January, the export trade has been very strong through February and the first half of March — the latest date for available figures — showing an overall 10% increase on 2006 for the first 10 weeks of the year.

Out of the total exports, the Dutch trade has been the dominant market for calves, taking 16,000 head or almost 60% of the total. This has been achieved against the background of an overall slowdown in Dutch live imports in 2007. Spain has continued to be the second most valuable export source taking 5,300 head this year.

Bord Bia points out that in general the older Continental breed calves are supplied to the Spanish market where they are usually kept on the feed lots for beef production and the lighter calves for the production of veal are mainly exported to the Netherlands.

Following the collapse of the export trade in 2001 — arising the from the outbreak of Foot and Moth disease and the restrictions on exports — the trade has been slow to recover the markets at the level which had been held.

Live calf exports for the first 10 weeks of 2002 amounted to 1,220 head.

Live exports of weanlings for the year to mid-March were 19% higher than last year at 14,000 head. Exports were mainly to the Italian and Spanish markets where demand from the feed lots is strong following agood year for beef production in 2006.