The two bodies set up to represent livestock exporters are likely to become one.

Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed spent much of 2017 and 2018 urging exporters to set up an organisation with which his officials could constructively liaise. Come 2019, he had not one but two, which was not what he wanted.

First up was the Irish Livestock Exporters Association, representing exporters of all livestock, with Sligo man Paul Clarke as chair. Last November the Irish Livestock Stakeholders’ Association was set up on the initiative of the Wicklow Calf Company, with an initial focus on calf exports and welfare standards.

However, it seems all sides now accept there are not enough exporters to support two bodies. It looks as if Clarke’s Irish Livestock Exporters Association, which signed up more exporters, will speak for the sector.

It is in talks to become a partner with Animal Health Ireland. Expect it to push for a national IBR programme, which it sees as vital to maintaining existing export markets for Irish cattle and opening up new ones.