The next number of weeks will be busy on the live export side, with three boats set to sail to Turkey with weanlings and breeding heifers, according to IFA (Irish Farmers’ Association) National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods.

Woods said market demand for live cattle in Turkey is very strong, adding that he was hopeful that further contracts would develop for the autumn.

The chairman said that recently the Turkish authorities announced some import changes, privatising imports from South America. He said the government body ESK will continue to be the buyer from Europe for the moment.

Woods noted that major investments have been made by Irish exporters in re-establishing the international live export market and it is of critical importance that the live trade is now fully supported and developed by the Minister for Agriculture and his department.

He added the trade needs to be fully serviced and facilitated at both local and national level.

Woods said that, to date this year, 145,000 head have been exported live – up 45% on last year. He said on the international markets, Turkey is the main player with 12,070 head exported while a further 1,830 were sent to Libya.

Concluding, Woods stressed that the live export trade is vital for price competition and additional outlets and markets for Irish livestock.