John Halley, ICSA suckler chair, has said that developments in the live export trade are positive, but live exports as much as possible is the only future for farmers.

“Factories are increasingly using their own feedlots and rented sheds to undermine the chance of independent farmers making a profit.”

John said there seems to be more interest in heavier weanlings from Irish feeders but this is linked to the fact that they are somewhat scarce at present in some parts of the country.

“Factories don’t want to admit it but there are some signs that they are going to be anxious for beef during the early summer.

“Reports suggest that they are buying significant numbers of forward stores to kill from their own feedlots in May and June. Farmers selling stores at present are in a stronger position than they have been for a while.”

Maximum weight of 330kg

On the outlook for live exports, it is starting to look a bit more positive, with hopes growing that Turkey will be a key customer for cattle in 2017, John added.

“Farmers should be aware that the Turkish market has a very specific requirement for weanlings. Animals must be under 12 months on arrival, so agents assembling stock will be looking for animals under 11 months old in some cases.”

“Also, weanlings have to be properly dehorned or they will not be considered. The maximum weight is about 330kg.”

Calf exports to the Netherlands have picked up and are running at almost double the level of last year, while Spain is also taking significant numbers of calves.

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Exporters chasing Turkish cattle contract

Graphs: can live exports of calves reach 100,000 head in 2017?