Cattle producers welcome Turkish live trade opening

Irish cattle producers hope the newly-opened Turkish market will help offset lost exports elsewhere, said IFA president Joe Healy.

He said Irish cattle exports are down 26,000 for the year to date, now at 84,000 head. Turkey imported 380,000 head in 2015, mostly from South America plus up to 120,000 head from France.

“Turkey is a high volume live cattle destination, capable of paying very good prices,” said Mr Healy. “Turkey is a real opportunity for Irish live cattle. This will add much-needed competition to the trade for weanlings and younger stock.”