Farmer concerns over Cork Marts exports

With Cork Marts announcing its exist from the calf export business, farmers are naturally concerned.

Patrick Donohoe

16 November 2016

Drover at work, Cork Marts Bandon. Photo: Donal O' Leary

Richard Geary, Robert's Cove, Co Cork.

William O'Neill, Ballinadee, Co Cork.

George Teape, Ballinadee, Co Cork.

Jim McCarthy, Ballinascarthy, Co Cork.

Harold Kingston, Courtmacsherry, Co Cork. Photo: Donal O'Leary

Farmers have expressed serious concerns following Cork Marts’ decision to exit the calf export business.Last week, the Irish Farmers Journal exclusively reported that Cork Marts was to cease calf exports due to enduring losses in the business. Cork Marts exported approximately 18,000 dairy-bred calves to the Netherlands and Spain this year alone. Cork Marts accounted for between 20% and 28% of all calves exported from Ireland this year.

Farmers have expressed serious concerns following Cork Marts’ decision to exit the calf export business.

Last week, the Irish Farmers Journal exclusively reported that Cork Marts was to cease calf exports due to enduring losses in the business. Cork Marts exported approximately 18,000 dairy-bred calves to the Netherlands and Spain this year alone. Cork Marts accounted for between 20% and 28% of all calves exported from Ireland this year.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal this week, farmers in Bandon Mart expressed grave concerns at the loss of the market.

The Irish Farmers Journal understands that hopes remain among farmer shareholders that Cork Marts might re-enter the business despite the losses suffered this year. Talks are continuing in the hope to resurrect the business but it is yet unclear if these will result in Cork Marts shipping calves next spring. Other exporters have privately indicated that they would be keen to step in to take the business vacated by Cork Marts.

William O’Neill: “Who will take over from them and start exporting. Will calves only make €50 next spring? Friesian will be worth nothing is my biggest concern.”

Richard Geary: “I’m a bit disappointed that they’re not going to be exporting, especially in February and March, when there’s a big glut of calves and it helps put a floor in the price.”

George Teape: “It’s a pity, because the good cattle are going out on the boats now and we were left with a lot of Friesians, which wouldn’t be of good quality. Calf exports were a good outlet for them. There will be more Friesians about and Jerseys, which has upset things in my opinion.”

Jim McCarthy: “Future wise, I don’t think it’s a good idea. I’d rather they’d still be involved and create competition. Competition is the life of trade.”

JJ Barrett: “I’m surprised they decided to cease exports. Calf exports are vital to farmers and the country as a whole. Cork Marts should look carefully again and should support farmers in their area.”

Harold Kingston: The Cork dairy farmer and IFA Cork central chair said he fears the Dutch and Spanish markets might be lost entirely. “There are major concerns that an existing market will now not be served by this decision. It is difficult to win new markets, so it would be a shame to lose existing markets,” Kingston said.