Weanling exports for the first three quarters of the year are 5% behind levels for the corresponding time last year. Data from Bord Bia shows that to the end of September 34,855 head were traded outside the State, a reduction of 1,822 on 2024 levels. While these figures are marginally behind last year, they are considerably ahead of 2023 figures, when 24,788 weanlings were exported.
This has been noticeable in weanling sales at marts across the country over the last two years, with shippers very active at the ringside throughout the year – as they fulfil demand from buyers on the continent.
Almost three out of every five weanlings exported out of Ireland so far this year have ended up in Spain or Italy. The Spanish market currently accounts for over one third of Irish weanlings, with 12,362 exported there to date. As well as being the largest market it has also experienced the biggest growth in the space of 12 months as numbers increased by 55%. Indeed, when looking across all categories of stock, Spain is currently the largest outlet for Irish cattle and has purchased 34% of all stock that have left the state this year.
Demand has increased in Italy too as Italian buyers purchased 7,846 weanlings, an improvement of 35% on the previous year.
The third-highest export destination is Northern Ireland with 3,824 weanlings heading north, an increase of 38% compared to last year.
Poland and Greece round out the top five destinations for Irish weanlings. The Polish market has contracted by over half compared to last year, accounting for 2,500 head so far compared to 5,567 in 2024.
Tunisia is the only other country that broke the 1,000 head mark so far this year while the Netherlands, Lithuania, Croatia and Morrocco making up the rest of the top 10 countries that imported Irish weanlings (see Figure 1).
Weanling exports for the first three quarters of the year are 5% behind levels for the corresponding time last year. Data from Bord Bia shows that to the end of September 34,855 head were traded outside the State, a reduction of 1,822 on 2024 levels. While these figures are marginally behind last year, they are considerably ahead of 2023 figures, when 24,788 weanlings were exported.
This has been noticeable in weanling sales at marts across the country over the last two years, with shippers very active at the ringside throughout the year – as they fulfil demand from buyers on the continent.
Almost three out of every five weanlings exported out of Ireland so far this year have ended up in Spain or Italy. The Spanish market currently accounts for over one third of Irish weanlings, with 12,362 exported there to date. As well as being the largest market it has also experienced the biggest growth in the space of 12 months as numbers increased by 55%. Indeed, when looking across all categories of stock, Spain is currently the largest outlet for Irish cattle and has purchased 34% of all stock that have left the state this year.
Demand has increased in Italy too as Italian buyers purchased 7,846 weanlings, an improvement of 35% on the previous year.
The third-highest export destination is Northern Ireland with 3,824 weanlings heading north, an increase of 38% compared to last year.
Poland and Greece round out the top five destinations for Irish weanlings. The Polish market has contracted by over half compared to last year, accounting for 2,500 head so far compared to 5,567 in 2024.
Tunisia is the only other country that broke the 1,000 head mark so far this year while the Netherlands, Lithuania, Croatia and Morrocco making up the rest of the top 10 countries that imported Irish weanlings (see Figure 1).
SHARING OPTIONS