Although there is not much positive in the Irish beef industry, there is good news in the export industry.

According to Bord Bia, the Irish state agency for the promotion of sales of Irish food and gardening products both abroad and in Ireland itself, livestock exports as of June 1 this year exceeded 45,750 heads, which is 29% higher than in the corresponding period of 2018.

And, although this is a significant increase compared to the levels of 2018, it should be noted that the greatest contribution to this growth was made by the calves from the dairy herd, which were sent to European countries.

In total, by June 1, more than 170,320 calves were exported from Ireland to European countries, which is 36,693 heads or 28% more than last year. As usual, the main importers of Irish dairy calves were Spain and the Netherlands, and there was some growth in these markets in 2019.

The total number of cattle sold abroad until June 1, 2019 inclusive, amounted to 205,888 heads.

Exports of livestock are vital for both the Irish meat and dairy industries, and the export of cattle from the country provides greater competition in the market.