The next load of cattle for Turkey is due to load early next week. A specialist livestock boat is due to dock on Saturday and be loaded with heavy bulls by export company Viastar.

All of the major exporters continue to receive enquiries from private importers about supply of weanling bulls this summer. But this trade has not yet been formally opened by the Turkish authorities.

ICMSA Livestock chair Des Morrison called on Bord Bia to do all possible to see Turkish imports opened up to the private sector. “It will provide a level of competition for the meat plants which is badly needed,” he said.

Meanwhile, calf exports to EU markets continue at a strong pace. Prices are steady this week. More heavy calves are appearing at marts and are in demand for Spain.

One possible reason for continuing high export numbers is that farmer buying at mart sales is constrained by general wet ground conditions, leaving calves available for exporters. Direct buying off the land has now ended but calf numbers at mart sales are relatively strong for early May.

In recent weeks exports have been running at over 8,000. By next week exports are likely to exceed last year’s total of 100,000 head.