The 2027 calf trade has been dealt a blow before a single calf touches the ground, with Brittany Ferries’ announcement that the company will no longer transport live animals from next month.

The company, which was viewed by calf shippers as a price competitive alternative to Irish Ferries, had come under sustained pressure from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) since resuming live exports in 2025.

Its Rosslare-Cherbourg route had been a key transit route for Irish calves headed to the continent for rearing.

A spokesperson for Brittany Ferries confirmed to the Irish Farmers Journal that the company has made the decision to halt live exports, including calves, and that no further comment would be made on the move.

'Massive loss'

One calf exporter who spoke with the Irish Farmers Journal on Tuesday labelled the decision a “massive loss” to the calf trade, but one that will not be felt until the end of February 2027, when calf exports begin to take off.

They said that there had been speculation that the live export option could be pulled in the face of “constant NGO pressure”, but that they had not yet been notified by Brittany Ferries of the move.

Last year saw a cut to the operation of Stena Line’s Rosslare-Cherbourg shipping route that saw Brittany Ferries quickly taking up the slack in shipping availability.

A halt to Brittany Ferries’ live exports will leave Irish Ferries as the only shipper facilitating the live export of calves in 2027.

However, Irish Ferries’ shipping space for calf lorries had been limited to a few spaces every second week this spring.

Over 214,000 calves were exported from the state in the first 28 weeks of 2026, a decline of 2% on the corresponding figure for the strong export year of 2025.

ICSA concern

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) has voiced serious concerns with Brittany Ferries’ cessation of live exports, warning that it could curtail competition in the livestock sector.

“Live exports are a vital part of the Irish livestock sector,” ICSA president Sean McNamara said.

“They provide an important outlet for farmers and help ensure there is genuine competition for Irish stock.

“Anything that reduces competition or limits export options is bad news for farmers. We cannot allow farmers to be left with fewer outlets for their stock.”

McNamara called for clarification on the timelines around the withdrawal of Brittany Ferries’ animal transport services and stated that the Department of Agriculture “cannot simply assume that this gap will be filled”.

“We need to ensure there is sufficient capacity to maintain the live export trade and maintain access to key European markets. This is an issue that requires immediate attention.

“Irish farmers cannot afford to see essential export routes reduced without a clear plan to ensure there are viable alternatives,” he said.