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Exports of live cattle to Turkey rose by over 50% in 2017.
By 3 December, 30,562 head had been exported to this market.
This compares with 19,269 head in 2016. This increase has helped boost total cattle exports by over 52,000 to 187,376 in 2017.
None of the major cattle exporters have announced new 2018 contracts with the Turkish authorities. In recent months, Turkey has stepped up buying from South American countries, where cattle prices are lower and availability far higher. Some livestock boats approved to carry stock from Ireland are now transporting cattle from South America to Turkey.
Meanwhile, exporters report an increase in Italian demand for heavier Irish cattle.
One exporter stated that the Italian beef trade is generally stronger and he expects demand for Irish cattle to be good in early 2018 and ahead of last year.
Exports to Italy to early December stood at 19,384 head, up by 1,499 on 12 months earlier.
Beef trends: firm start to 2018 beef trade
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