Live cattle exports to Britain surge by 290%

SOME 2,500 head of cattle were exported to mainland Britain in the year up to June 20 – a 290% increase on the same period last year. Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith revealed the figure in a written reply to a Dáil question by Fine Gael TD Denis Naughten.

Mr Smith said shipments of cattle to Northern Ireland are close to 31,600 head, an increase of some 230%. Total live cattle exports to Britain at almost 34,100 head, are 233% up on the same period in 2008.

Minister Smith said the main reasons for this increase are reduced cattle availability in Britain and higher returns on the market there. He said the live export trade is an important element of Ireland’s meat and livestock industry, providing a complement to the beef trade.