The European demand for the supply of Irish calves has increased in the first nine weeks of 2022, showing a greater improvement in exports compared to the same period in 2021 and 2020. Data indicates that there has been a rise of over 10,000 extra calves exported compared to the same period in 2020. This comes as beef farmers are more cautious on taking on extra stock due to soaring input costs.
The Netherlands appears to be importing the largest number of Irish calves with the figure recorded at a staggering 16,400 to date for 2022. Spain comes in second with the figure exported to that country currently at 12,186 head. This shows a slight decline in the volume exported to Spain for the same period in 2021, with the figure recorded at 12,539.
Among those interested in the exports are smaller countries such as Northern Ireland, Italy, Belgium and Poland also taking smaller volumes ranging between 500-800 calves for the year so far.
However, with reports of prices for calves coming under pressure this week, the cost of trade for coloured and Friesian calves have slightly declined at marts across the country. The demand for calves from Europe remains firm, with it expected to continue in coming weeks.
LSL News.