This is a subscriber-only article
Calf exporters are gearing up to send higher numbers to EU markets in 2018.
Logan Calves will use the approved Hennessey lairage in Urlingford, Co Laois, giving it a second assembly yard in the Republic. It will export five or six loads per week at peak times, Trevor Logan said.
Brothers Liam and John McCarthy will shortly get a planning decision for a proposed new lairage in Co Cork. The Enniskeane family has experience of exporting. Northern Ireland-based DC Livestock, exporting from the Republic for four years, also plans to handle higher numbers in 2018.
There is scope for increases. Exports rose by 40% in 2017 to 101,000 head. However, there were 158,000 head exported in 2010. Dairy cow numbers are now 300,000 head higher.
Meanwhile, veterinary and marine officials from the Department of Agriculture will next week inspect roll-on-roll-off boat the Arrow, to see if it is suitable for livestock trucks.
Stena Line has arranged to charter the ferry during the weeks when its existing boat, the Horizon, is off service for refurbishment.
The boat would operate three times per week from Rosslare to Cherburg and carry up to 12 livestock trucks. The Horizon carries up to 22 livestock trucks at peak demand, but it goes off service for at least four weeks from mid-February. Calf exports peak in March.
Boat fears
Approval of the boat will go some way to easing fears about transport of calves to export markets. The only other existing service to France is a Saturday sailing by Irish Ferries from Dublin.
On Monday, IFA livestock chair Angus Woods met with Department of Agriculture officials on the issue.
“Dutch buyers have told us that veal markets will be good in 2018,” he said. “Demand is strong due to a reduction in the dairy herd and stronger white veal and rose veal prices. Milk replacer prices are competitive. So Minister Creed must prioritise new arrangements for our shipping requirements this spring.”
SHARING OPTIONS: