Strong export trade for calves

THE live export trade for calves, which is operating well ahead of 2005 levels, is continuing to underpin the demand for export type calves and the prices being paid.

Weekly exports of calves are currently operating at more than double the same during the same period last year following a surge in demand from the principal continental markets with which Irish exporters are trading for the supply of calves. These are primarily France, Italy, and Spain and The Netherlands, where veal prices are currently the highest for many years, following an increase of 33% compared to this time last year.

Up to 7,300 calves are being exported weekly which is double that of this time last year. The export trade for calves has been strong over the past two months with live exports of calves to mid-March up 81% on last year at over 25,700 head.