The level of interest in the live export calf trade has not been as high for many years. With dairy calf births rising in the region of 120,000 head in 2015 and a further increase in calf births forecast for 2016, beef farmers are especially interested in how the trade performs in 2016.

Live export operators were delayed in commencing exports until the end of February in 2015, with many dairy farmers holding calves longer due to milk quota constraints.

Prices are being driven by exporters and farmers. Friesian bulls are making between €100 and €130/head. Hereford and Angus calves are making between €250 and €350/head.

Reports suggest the trade will commence earlier this spring, with demand reported as firm in our two main markets, the Netherlands and Spain. These two markets imported 43,418 and 27,240 calves respectively, with France the other main market, importing 8,313 calves.

The downside in the trade in 2015 was the loss of Belgium as a market for calf exports. The country ceased importing calves following the introduction of new IBR legislation and with it closed the door to 15,000 to 20,000 Irish calf exports.

While still in its infancy, reports of the Netherlands discussing a similar IBR programme have raised concerns for Irish exports.

Animal Health Ireland (AHI) is currently working on IBR with the Department of Agriculture and other industry partners. David Graham of AHI said that Teagasc is in the final stages of completing a cost-benefit analysis assessment of introducing an IBR health plan.