Calf exports are running 8,321 head above the same period in 2018 up to the week ending 3 March 2019.

The main driver of increased exports has been the Dutch market, with 14,918 head exported to date, an increase of 5,192 head.

The majority of calves exported are Friesian bull calves with less than 100 beef-sired calves exported.

Spain

The other dominant market is the Spanish market with 10,986 head exported so far in 2018. This represents an increase of 1,677 head, with exports split roughly 65:35 between Friesian and beef-sired calves, while the beef-cross calves can be split evenly between bull and heifer calves.

The remaining 4,413 calves are split among six destinations with a number of notable differences to 2018.

Poland

Poland became a significant market for exports of light dairy-cross calves in the second half of 2018 and has now become a significant destination for calves, with 1,435 exported in 2019. This is from a standing start with 1,121 Friesian bull calves and 314 beef-sired calves exported.

Italy

Italy has imported a similar quantity of calves with 1,730 exported there. This is a reduction of 350 head on 2018 levels with weather restricting the most recent consignment.

Belgium, Greece and France

Belgium has imported 881 calves while Greece has accounted for one load of 180 Friesian bull calves, with France importing 100 Friesian bull calves.

Exports for the week ending 10 March are expected to be north of 10,000 head because there is a backlog in the system from the previous week.

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