Calf exports running 22% ahead of last year

Dairy calf exports are significantly ahead this year in comparison to the same period last year, according to the latest figures from Bord Bia.

Up to the week ending February 20, some 4,856 dairy calves have been exported from Ireland to European destinations – representing 869 head or a 22% increase on 2020 figures.

This week AgriLand spoke with Seamus McMenamin from Bord Bia on how calf exports have gone so far this year and the current outlook for the veal market in 2021.

Speaking about the recent performance, Seamus stated: ”The bad weather seen in February did result in some delays, this year.

”With the bad weather at sea the ferry companies were not willing to carry livestock. This did lead to a bit of a backlog for the exporters – which now seems to have cleared.

The increased demand for calves is currently being driven by the Spanish market, with interest in Friesian and Angus calves.

”The export market to the Netherlands has not kicked off just yet, but in previous years it has been seen that it tends to start in the coming week [the second week of March].

”So far the continuing lockdowns across Europe are not impacting on the demand for calves, but feedback from some of the markets is that the prices will be more competitive.

”There is a large amount of veal in cold storage due to the continued closure of the hospitality sector across Europe, so this may have an impact on prices. But it is too early to tell yet.”

Calf births

The three quarter of a million mark is in sight as calf births reach 712,870, the week ending February 26, saw some 163,864 calves being registered, which is an increase of 3,435 compared to last year’s figures for the same time period, when 160,429 calves were registered.

The latest figures from the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) show that there has been a 9.87% increase on last year’s figures – with 614,597 head of dairy calves born so far compared to 556,772 head for the same period in 2020.

Weekly Breakdown

Taking a closer look at the figures, we can see that 143,473 dairy calves were registered during the week-ending February 26, 2021 – an increase of 3,226 head on the corresponding week in 2020.

Looking at suckler calf registrations in more detail, during the week ending February 26, 2021, some 20,391 beef calves were registered – a increase of 209 head on the same week in 2020.

The total number of suckler calves registered so far this year stands at 98,273 head. During the same period in 2020, some 68,548 beef calves were registered.

When combined, total calf registrations – for both suckler and dairy – are still running ahead of last year’s levels.

During the week ending February 26, 2021, a tally amounting to 163,864 head of calves had been registered – an increase of 3,435 head when compared to the same period in 2020.