Over 1,800 heifers were loaded on the MV Sarah last Monday for shipment to Turkey and for onward sale to local farmers for breeding purposes.

Loading went ahead after officials from the Department of Agriculture carried out a final inspection of modifications they requested be made to the boat. It has now departed and is heading for the Mediterranean.

This is the first shipment arranged by livestock exporters John Hallissey and Tadgh O’Connor. The Irish Farmers Journal understands that the two have agreed terms with a Turkish livestock importer that will see further shipments of breeding animals this year.

ADVERTISEMENT

The two men have been buying heifers at marts over recent months, mostly in the south and west of the country, and generally paying €2.60 to €3/kg. They are also buying directly off farmers. To operate this business, John Hallissey has erected large sheds and handling facilities in his yard near Askeaton, Co Limerick, including a large weigh scales. His plan is to develop facilities for over 5,000 cattle.

The heifers that sailed this week were inspected by a Turkish vet when placed in quarantine while the Turkish importer was on hand in Waterford Port on Monday when they were loaded.