Efforts are under way to see if there is a path to continue calf exports to Poland this spring. This follows restrictions that were put in place by Polish authorities following the recent bluetongue outbreak in Ireland.

Accounting for 26,000 calves in 2025 and a notably good outlet for stronger calves, there were concerns that this market could be closed off. However, there now appears to be a glimmer of hope that all is not lost.

Bord Bia’s sheepmeat and livestock sector manager, Seamus McMenamin said: “There are different regional approaches to bluetongue in Poland and the requirements vary from region to region.

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Irish officials are liaising with the relevant Polish authorities to establish where in Poland Irish calves were sent to last year, and whether exports to those could continue this year.”

Currently, it’s business as usual with no bluetongue restrictions for calves going to the Netherlands and Spain. The calf trade to Italy, which took 18,000 head last year, is also open.

“There are currently no barriers to trade with Italy either, as we have the same strain of bluetongue as Italy.

The main country where it creates an issue is Poland however, as it was the third largest export destination for Irish calves in 2025 behind The Netherlands (84,000 head) and Spain (83,000 head).”

McMenamin also felt that access to boats could also be an issue in the coming weeks. Difficult weather over the last month created challenging sailing conditions and a share of stock remain in exporters yards as a result.

“We could see a lack of space on ferries for calves, as difficult sailing conditions means there is a backlog of weanlings and stores built up. This could create an issue when it comes to lorry spaces on boats.”