Earlier this week the news broke that Turkey has approved Ireland to the list of EU member states approved to supply slaughter, fattening and breeding animals. Prices are strong there at the moment, with finished cattle receiving around €8/kg.

This lucrative market requires early spring born weanling continental animals. They must have the potential to grade U's and be under 12 months of age.

The Department of Agriculture summarised the conditions for such animals as:

  • A 21-day pre-export quarantine under Department control in an approved facility.
  • Cattle born and reared in Ireland.
  • There are no age or gender restrictions.
  • Herds of origin free of EBL, Brucellosis, TB and a range of other diseases.
  • Animals tested for TB, IBR/IPV and BVD prior to export and vaccinated against BVD.

    • The Department said: “However, our understanding is that, at present, only bulls less than 12 months and less than 300kg are acceptable.”

    The Department advised exporters that it is still awaiting clarification on when the pre-export quarantine period starts. That could be this week, it said, or earlier for exporters who have assembled and quarantined cattle in anticipation of the Turkish trade opening.

    For more information see our extensive coverage in this week's Irish Farmers Journal:

    Turkish market provides a massive opportunity