While the number of calves traded outside of the State is down 11% compared to the same time last year, exports are 3% ahead of 2024 levels.

There were 161,190 calves shipped during the first 20 weeks of this year, a reduction from the 182,424 in the same period a year ago, according to figures from Bord Bia.

Much of that reduction is due to the impact bluetongue had on the trade of Irish calves to Poland this year and that Polish market loss stands out as the biggest difference between this and last year.

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Impact

Bluetongue’s impact on cross-border trade early on in the year saw the number of calves sold to Northern Ireland slip 12% to 5,656 head.

Dutch demand for calves remains firm and despite concerns a number of years ago that it would be closed to Irish calves, the Netherlands continues to be the principal outlet for them.

Accounting for 72,058 head, they are marginally ahead of this time last year and are 7% ahead of two years ago.

The current beef market in Spain has seen demand for Irish calves soften somewhat compared to 2025.

As a result, the number of calves gone to Spain is 8,335 head or 13% behind 12 months ago. Increases experienced in both the Croatian and Hungarian markets have negated that potential loss.

Italy

Combined purchasers in both countries bought 8,415 more calves than the same point last year.

Italy has proven to be a growing market with demand up 13% with almost 17,000 calves sold there so far.

Shippers have made their presence felt ringside in calf marts in recent weeks and they have been especially active when it comes to the bull calf trade.

Prices for Angus- and Hereford-cross bull calves are similar to what they were in May last year.