The latest figures from Bord Bia show that by the end of March this year, live exports were at 72,350, compared with 50,815 in 2016 – a rise of 42%.
The Netherlands was the main destination for Irish cattle, with 30,226 sent in the first three months of this year, marking an increase of almost 78%.
This is followed by Spain, where there was a 43% surge and they took in 21,550 head over the first three months of the year.
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Calves were the driving force for increases to both these countries, with numbers expected to fall as the calving season comes to an end.
Out of the 72,350 live exports this year, over 56,000 were calves. Finished cattle accounted for 8,300, while weanlings and stores were at 4,298 and 3,104 respectively.
Other countries importing Irish cattle exports include Italy at 4,634 and Belgium at 4,495.
Elsewhere, there was a 70% drop in live exports to France, falling from 3,217 in 2016 to 956 this year. Meanwhile Greece had a small decline to 314.
Turkey main market outside of Europe
Almost all live cattle are exported to countries in Europe, with 62,395 cattle sent across the continent.
Turkey is the only real destination for Irish live exports outside of Europe, taking in 1,564 cattle this year.
However, there is potential for much more, with one live export firm securing a contract for 20,000 head to be sent to Turkey. Agents from the firm are continuing to buy young weanling bulls across Ireland.
Read more
1,800 breeding heifers depart for Turkey
Graphs: can live exports of calves reach 100,000 head in 2017?
The latest figures from Bord Bia show that by the end of March this year, live exports were at 72,350, compared with 50,815 in 2016 – a rise of 42%.
The Netherlands was the main destination for Irish cattle, with 30,226 sent in the first three months of this year, marking an increase of almost 78%.
This is followed by Spain, where there was a 43% surge and they took in 21,550 head over the first three months of the year.
![]()
Calves were the driving force for increases to both these countries, with numbers expected to fall as the calving season comes to an end.
Out of the 72,350 live exports this year, over 56,000 were calves. Finished cattle accounted for 8,300, while weanlings and stores were at 4,298 and 3,104 respectively.
Other countries importing Irish cattle exports include Italy at 4,634 and Belgium at 4,495.
Elsewhere, there was a 70% drop in live exports to France, falling from 3,217 in 2016 to 956 this year. Meanwhile Greece had a small decline to 314.
Turkey main market outside of Europe
Almost all live cattle are exported to countries in Europe, with 62,395 cattle sent across the continent.
Turkey is the only real destination for Irish live exports outside of Europe, taking in 1,564 cattle this year.
However, there is potential for much more, with one live export firm securing a contract for 20,000 head to be sent to Turkey. Agents from the firm are continuing to buy young weanling bulls across Ireland.
Read more
1,800 breeding heifers depart for Turkey
Graphs: can live exports of calves reach 100,000 head in 2017?
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