Imports of Irish cattle to NI up four-fold

There has been a significant recovery in the number of Irish cattle moving north of the border for direct slaughter during 2019.

From the outset of the year to the week ending 17 August, Irish cattle imported for direct slaughter in NI plants totalled 7,575, according to DAERA statistics.

In the same period last year, just 1,845 cattle were imported to NI plants. A brief recovery later in 2018 saw a final total of 7,375 head imported across the whole year.

The bulk of the Irish cattle moving north are being processed for the wholesale and catering trade, where country of origin labelling and nomad cattle is less of an issue compared to the retail sector.

Increased imports of slaughter cattle have an impact on domestic prices by displacing local supplies coming onto the market.

Despite sterling weakening against the euro in recent months, there has been little sign of cattle imports slowing, with NI buyers still extremely active for southern cattle.

The collapse in Irish beef prices, particularly for out-of-spec animals, will have partly offset the decline in sterling value for NI buyers sourcing cattle south of the border.

Britain

While imports of Irish cattle have increased, exports of live cattle from NI to a key outlet in Britain are down year-on-year.

From the start of the year to the week ending 10 August, just 153 cattle moved to slaughter plants in Britain, compared with 1,386 head for the same period last year, 908 head in 2017 and 3,566 in 2016.

Traditionally, cattle exported to Britain consist of prime steers and heifers. Lower exports mean these animals have to be marketed through local plants, which creates further price pressure.

Slaughter cattle imported from Britain to NI during 2019 stands at 2,350 as of the week ending 10 August, compared with 3,618 in 2018, with 4,271 imported in 2017 and 2,334 in 2016.

Sheep

While imports of Irish cattle to NI meat plants have increased this year, movement of sheep in the opposite direction is down 16% on last year.

From the start of the year to 10 August, exports of NI sheep to southern processing plants stands at 205,201 head. For the same period last year, NI sheep exports amounted to 245,597.

With the Republic of Ireland a key outlet for NI lambs, lower exports have increased the availability of factory-fit lambs for local plants.

As a result, the domestic lamb trade has come under pressure, with factories quoting 360p to 370p/kg, compared with 390p/kg for the same week in 2018.

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