The number of cattle shipped from the State has reduced by 53% compared to the same time in 2025, with calves experiencing the largest reduction, back 73%.

According to figures from Bord Bia, only 612 calves have been shipped so far this year compared to 2,291 for the same period last year. Overall, there were close to 10,000 head fewer cattle moved compared to a year ago. For the first six weeks of 2025, 18,887 head of cattle left the country. This year the figure stands at 8,853 head.

Weather has been the biggest contributing factor to this reduction, with sea conditions making it challenging for livestock trucks over the last month or so. This has created a backlog of stock on livestock shippers hands. While restrictions on movements to Northern Ireland and Poland due to bluetongue are expected to impact trade to both, Bord Bia’s sheepmeat and livestock sector manager, Seamus McMenamin is reporting firm demand from the main customers on the continent for Irish calves.

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“Despite ongoing political pressure, the Dutch market remains the biggest outlet for Irish calves. Tightness of supply of calves from Germany due to reduced availability because of the impact of dairy herd reduction and bluetongue has led to renewed interest in Irish calves in 2025, and we expect that to continue this spring.”

He also expects an opportunity to grow the number of Irish beef-sired calves going to Spain as the supply of calves from France is expected to be down.