Calf exports pick up after slow start

Marts: Live exports of calves to continental markets are beginning to pick up after a very slow start to the 2008 season.

The weekly exports exceeded 1,000 head in mid-February for the first time this year, at 1,204 head exported, and are continuing to lift gradually, delivering a knock-on benefit to the trade for the Friesian bull calves suitable for export.

Year-to-date exports reflect the late start-up.

To mid-February, total live exports of calves in 2008 amounted to 2,926 head compared to 5,252 head for the same period in 2007 — a decline of over 44%.

Slightly stronger Irish calf prices this year, with strong demand from farmers over their milk quota, buying calves to utilise surplus milk and thus pushing demand, and exporters maintaining that they could not compete combined to effect the export trade.

There were almost 1,000 head on offer at Bandon mart this week for the first time in 2008. Mart manager Pat McCarthy said that the Friesian bull calves suitable for shipping met with a lively trade, in contrast to some of the younger coloured calves for which prices were a shade easier this week.

The Friesian bulls sold for €60/head to €200/head and Friesian heifers with breeding suitable to make herd replacements made up to €330/head. The continentals were a good trade ranging €300/head to €450/head for the bulls and €200/head to €340/ head for the heifers.

At Kilmallock Mart there was also a good increase in the number on offer.

Kevin Leahy, mart manager, said that the calves suitable for export were “a good trade”.

Friesian bulls ranged from €80/head to €200/ head. The continental bulls sold for €235/head to €390 /head and the continental heifers ranged €130/head to €285/head.

At Kanturk, Friesian bulls sold for up to €210/head and heifers up to €410/ head. Continental bulls made up to €420/head.

Dungarvan also reported a good trade — Friesian bulls up to €170/head and heifers up to €350/head. Up to €400/head was paid for continental bulls.