Inspection charges on calves for export have been slashed by 75% by the Department of Agriculture in a major boost for live exports.

The move will save exporters around €1,100 on a truckload of 300 calves and encourage higher exports at a time when calf numbers are rising towards the spring peak.

Veterinary inspection costs have been reduced from €4.80 to €1.20 for export calves aged under three months.

Announcing the change, Minister Creed said: “I am very conscious of the vital role that live exports play in stimulating price competition for domestic cattle and providing an alternative market outlet for farmers.”

Strong live exports will be essential to the cattle and beef trade this year, with some 100,000 head of cattle in the country.

IFA president Joe Healy welcomed the decision on reducing calf charges by the Minister.

“This is a very positive boost to the live-export trade for calves and comes at a vital time, when calf sales are reaching their peak,” said Healy.

The calf trade at marts is currently being driven largely by farmer demand, with prices of €130 to €180/hd paid for strong Friesian bulls, €65 to €110 for export-suitable calves and €5 to €40 for crossbred and Jersey calves.

Angus heifers are selling for from €180 to €170, with Angus bulls making from €210 to €320. Hereford heifers are making €200 to €280 and bulls are selling from €220 up to €340 for strong calves.

As numbers increase in the coming weeks, exporters will become more active at the ringside. The movement has already begun, with seven loads of calves leaving Ireland on Tuesday bound for Holland, Spain and Belgium.

Early concerns about the trade to Holland, related to welfare and transport difficulties, have not materialised, with three trucks of the eight destined for Dutch buyers.

IFA livestock chair Angus Woods said the organisation had prioritised the live export trade this year and worked hard to drive a strong calf export trade.