Calf exports are slowing down as EU markets continue to be disrupted by COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions. Spain remained the bright spot for Irish calves last week.

Provisional figures from the Department of Agriculture show that 3,642 calves were exported there. That’s within a few hundred of the previous week and the numbers are broadly similar to the first half of April last year.

Elsewhere, it’s pandemic disruption. The Dutch veal sector has come under most pressure, with its own veal exports to Italy, France and Germany down on normal levels and veal prices down on last year.

Exports of Irish calves to Italy have slowed to about one truck load per week

Irish exporters are not getting the expected orders from usual customers who are unwilling or unable to restock sheds.

Exporters say that calves from Dutch dairy farms are cheaper than Irish calves, at around €50.

The Department figures show 2,593 calves went to the Netherlands last week. If that provisional figure remains the final outcome, it’s half of the previous week and an even bigger drop on the same week last year.

Exports of Irish calves to Italy have slowed to about one truck load per week and numbers going to France and Belgium have also tailed off.

However, the numbers of Irish calves available for export have now passed the seasonal peak.

Exports to 5 April were 83,066 (provisional), down from 100,664 head for the same period in 2019.