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There are hopes that the Turkish live export market will reopen soon, which would provide a boost to weanling sales in the second half of the year.
Last week, Turkish cattle importers, facilitated by the IFA, visited farms, marts and exporters in Ireland. Meetings were held with the Department of Agriculture and Bord Bia along with high-level technical discussions between the Turkish Meat and Milk Board and the Department.
Turkish importers and Irish exporters were both strongly of the view that trade should reopen later this year according to Angus Woods, IFA’s livestock chair.
Competition
Woods said some Irish exporters were in Turkey this week and reopening the market would be essential for price competition and putting a price under weanlings.
Following a shipment of young bulls to Turkey two weeks ago, Woods said: “It is hoped further shipments with the same people involved will take place again very soon. This importer already has licences to import live cattle.”
In 2018, 30,562 weanlings and stores, mainly young bulls were exported to Turkey. The high quality and high health status of Irish cattle was well recognised by Turkish farmers and importers according to Woods which created major potential for Irish exports.
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