Strong demand from abroad has led to the number of weanling exports increasing slightly on last year.

By the end of week 28, the total number of weanlings sold to markets outside the state stood at 27,952 head, almost 350 animals over the same period last year.

At 7,843 head, Spain remains the main outlet for now but demand has decreased there by almost a quarter as a weakened home beef market has impacted demand there. As a result, Spanish beef finishers are opting to push cattle into higher weights and with replacement costs high, they are choosing to pull back on purchasing new stock

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Seamus McMenamin from Bord Bia highlighted that while overall numbers remain similar there is a greater spread of markets this year compared to 2025.

Italy and Northern Ireland have upped numbers slightly and demand from North Africa has also had an influence on trade.