A number of Turkish buyers have visited Ireland in recent weeks and ordered cattle for live export. The recent drop in prices here has been a factor in getting contracts agreed.

Co Louth-based Viastar is actively buying cattle, whilePurcell Brothers is reported to have cattle assembled and ready for quarantine.

The numbers of weanlings coming on sale are now starting to increase.

Libya

The other very active market at present is Libya, with significant numbers of cattle being shipped there from Spain. Two boatloads of heavy Irish cattle have just been delivered to Libya and further orders are likely.

IFA Livestock chair Angus Woods said he continues to get indications of strong demand in Turkey.

“It is critically important that every effort is made to drive on live exports for the second half of the year, as they provide a vital market outlet and competition for the cattle trade,” he said.