The number of calves that have been exported out of Ireland is down 20% compared to the same period last year.

Updated Bord Bia figures show that after 13 weeks of trading, 66,773 head have been sold outside of the State.

While significantly below the same point in 2025 when 83,863 head were sold, it is 9% behind the end of the first quarter in 2024.

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The Netherlands remains the main destination with 29,086 Irish calves sold there so far this year.

This is marginally behind last year, when 30,408 head were purchased by Dutch buyers.

To date in 2026, Spanish buyers have accounted for 21,592 head of calves

A fall-off in two of the top five markets has resulted in a lower number of calves moved to the continent.

Reduced demand in Spain combined with the absence of the Polish market due to bluetongue has had a major impact.

To date in 2026, Spanish buyers have accounted for 21,592 head of calves, a reduction of 9,550 head on last year. When put together with Poland, which accounted for 8,616 head at the same point last year, the shortfall between this and last year’s figures is bridged.

Italy, Croatia and Northern Ireland round out the top five export destinations for Irish calves with 8,863, 2,806 and 2,130 heading to those markets respectively.

While still ahead of 2025, calf prices are heading south across all the main breeds on offer.

For Angus- and Hereford-cross calves aged between three and six weeks of age they were anywhere from €27/head to €44/head below last weeks prices. Angus- and Hereford-cross bulls traded for €415/head and €461/head respectively.