Weanling exports are currently 48% ahead of the same time last year, according to data from Bord Bia. Up to the end of week 25, a total of 24,692 weanlings have been exported, principally to EU markets. Spain, at 9,112 head, is the main destination so far, with Italy the second largest market accounting for 5,330 head.

Reporting strong demand from the EU and Northern Ireland, Bord Bia’s sheep and livestock sector manager, Seamus McMenamin said:

“Declining beef and dairy herds across much of Europe combined with the impacts of bluetongue on herd fertility has increased demand for Irish cattle. There continues to be a firm demand from established customers in key European markets where Irish cattle have an excellent reputation for their health credentials and subsequent performance in market.”

With a decrease in weanling availability expected, the number of cattle aged between six and 12 months is back 7%, combined with Stena Line’s decision to withdraw from the Rosslare to Cherbourg route, strong shipper demand for suckler weanlings is likely to continue. Four shippers were active at a weanling sale in Cahersiveen Mart on Tuesday where 22% of the bulls made over €2,500.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal following that red-hot trade in south Kerry, a representative from one shipper said:

“Demand for good suckler-bred bulls is very high abroad and farmers are doing an excellent job to push out the quality of animals, but the number of small suckler farmers is getting smaller and Government needs to support them.”