Imports of cattle from the Republic of Ireland for direct slaughter at NI plants totalled 629 head for the week ending 2 February, up 277 head on the previous week. This brings the total number of Irish cattle imported to NI for slaughter to 1,742 head for the year to date, compared with 308 head in 2018. A large proportion of the kill moving north is understood to consist of good-quality young cows, as well as animals that fall outside of market specifications on carcase weight and age.

In contrast, exports of NI cattle to slaughter plants south of the border totalled just 130 head last week. Total exports are down 13% so far, compared with 2018. A slower beef trade in Britain means that NI exports for slaughter are also down. Just 38 cattle have been shipped to Britain so far in 2019, compared with 319 head in 2017. However, imports from Britain for slaughter in NI are running 14% higher than last year.

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Surge in slaughter cattle imports to NI

There has been a significant increase in the number of cattle imported from the Republic of Ireland for slaughter at meat plants in Northern Ireland.