Live cattle exports down by 9%

DURING the first five months of 2007 Irish live cattle exports amounted to 115,600 head — 9% lower than the same period in 2006. However, they remained 40% ahead of shipments in the January to May 2005 period.

Bord Bia said the principal reason for the lower shipments was slower demand for calves in the Netherlands, reflecting more normal veal prices, and rising production costs.

A drop in live imports of weanlings and store cattle into Italy also affected trade levels. Calves accounted for almost 65% of total live exports up to the end of May at 72,800. This is a fall of 12% on the same period in 2006.