The latest live export figures published by Bord Bia show the number of cattle exported live to Spain exceeding the 100,000 head mark.

The 103,030 head destined for the Spanish market represents an increase of 20,324 head or 24.6% on the corresponding period in 2024.

The figure accounts for 34% of the total Irish live export figure of 305,724 head. Total exports are running 26,711 head or 9.6% higher.

Calves dominate export figures, with 221,961 calves leaving the country. This equates to an increase of 25,940 head or 13.2%.

Weanling exports of 31,380 head are running 3,025 or 10.7% higher, while exports of store and finished cattle have fallen behind 2024 levels in recent weeks, influenced by tight finished cattle supplies.

Other destinations

The Netherlands is the second-most-important destination on a per-head basis, accounting for exports of 85,125 head. This is an increase of 6,784 or 8.7%.

The Italian market has also recorded significantly improved market demand with 32,739 head exported, up 3,940 (13.7%).

This is closely followed by the Polish market, with export figures of 27,182 head running 8,692 or 47% higher.

The Northern Ireland market remains critical for exports of finished animals, with 34,005 head crossing the border north. This equates to an increase of 2,163 or 6.8%.