Calf exports are running 26,774hd above last year, latest figures from the Department of Agriculture show. Dutch veal farmers in particular took advantage of a 21% or €25/hd drop in average dairy calf prices this year, to buy more Irish calves.

The high export numbers will come as a relief to beef producers here, as it removes a large proportion of the higher number of dairy-bred calves born this spring and the volume of finished cattle in the future.

Increases

Total cattle exports were 134,195hd on 14 April this year, up 34,000hd or 33% on the same period in 2018. Last year’s figure was up on 2017.

Calf exports stand at 111,059, compared to 84,285 this time last year. That is up 26,774hd or 32%.

The big increase in calf exports has been to Holland. Exports there to date are running at 57,204hd, compared with 32,890 this time last year. That is up 24,314 calves or 74%.

While calf exports to Holland slowed in mid-April last year, they remain strong this year and look set to continue for a number of weeks yet

Culling of dairy cows in Germany and in Holland meant fewer calves were available from herds in these countries in 2019. Demand for veal continues be strong in volume terms. However, veal prices are lower than last year, which encouraged veal producers to look for lower priced calves.

While calf exports to Holland slowed in mid-April last year, they remain strong this year and look set to continue for a number of weeks yet.

Poland is a new market for Irish calves this year

The other key market for Irish calves is Spain, where demand runs on through the summer months. Exports there in 2019 are running 15% ahead of last year, at 32,384hd to date. Last year calves to Spain totalled 72,978 head.

Poland is a new market for Irish calves this year. To date 3,583 have been exported there, compared to 461 in all of 2018.

Rough seas and limits on lairage capacity at Cherbourg limited calf exports for two or three peak weeks this year, impacting on prices. However the effect was short-lived.