Over 2,300 cattle boarded the livestock-carrier vessel the ‘Shorthorn Express’ at the weekend, as the ship departed from the east of the country on Sunday night, March 10.
The shipment of cattle is destined for Morocco, and is composed of both Friesian and continental bulls and bullocks.
Speaking to Agriland, a spokesperson from Viastar confirmed that the company is currently sourcing cattle for another shipment, which is due to depart in the coming weeks.
The spokesperson said: “Viastar is currently sourcing both Friesian and continental bulls and bullocks ranging in weights from 200kg upwards.
“Viastar is also buying heavy and finished cattle and is buying beef bulls also.”
Farmers with suitable cattle contact:
- Kevin from Viastar on: 087 6242979;
- James from Viastar on: 087 3863601.
The firm is currently seeking cattle to supply contracts in a number of markets, and has said it is confident of additional markets coming on stream in the near future.
MEP comments on cattle exports
Earlier this month, MEP Colm Markey said that discussions around live exports are being used as a talking course for an “agenda” against livestock production.
The issue was raised at the Irish Cattle and Sheep Association (ICSA) annual conference, while Markey was on a panel with MEP Maria Walsh, and TDs Barry Cowen; Michael Fitzmaurice; and Claire Kerrane.
Markey said that before his interference with a specialised committee for animal welfare last term, the group had intended on stopping live exports, due to long sea journeys.
Markey said that while animal welfare during live exports is being “scrutinised”, that statistics from 2019 show 275,000 calves were exported out of Ireland.
Out of the 275,000 calves, Markey said that 163 died. He said that the figure is less than what dies on European farms on a daily basis.
He added that another proposal from the committee was to put the calves into holding centres. This was revised, as Markey raised the point of disease spreading.
Markey said that the EU is also proposing the banning of triple decker lorries, which he said would be “economically impossible” for transporting live animals.
ICSA general secretary, Eddie Punch said: “Live exports have been the subject of attack from an orchestrated campaign of people.
“They’re not interested really in animal welfare. They’re against livestock farming.”
Punch said that the EU Commission is “pulling rafts of legislation” out at speed and organisations like the ICSA do not have the resources to “keep up”.
He added that live exports are of “equal importance” to both the dairy and the suckler sector.
“Right now we have good prices for the Italian weanling. If we took that away, that would be the biggest damage we could do to the suckler herd,” he said.