Calf exports have increased rapidly. So far this year, 20,767 calves have been exported compared with 13,412 last year. The increase is 7,355 head or 55%.

The rise has lifted total live cattle exports, which now stand at 29,800, up almost 25%. In the week ending Saturday 4 March, total cattle exports were just shy of 10,000 head, double that of 2016.

Exports to the big calf markets are well up.

Shipments to the Netherlands now stand at 4,297, almost three times ahead of last year. Exports to Spain now stand at 3,086 head, about 50% up.

Mart prices eased a little this week on the bigger numbers. The average Friesian bull made €90 to €100, with lighter and younger calves making €70 to €80.

Stronger calves made €120 to €150.

IFA livestock chair Angus Woods said the cut in inspection charges on calves equal to €1,150 per load was helping exports.

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