Cattle exports in n the first seven weeks of 2025, has seen over 25,500 head of cattle have been exported from Ireland, reflecting a significant 31% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
The surge is largely driven by a sharp 79% rise in weanling exports, with nearly 8,500 weanlings sold abroad.
Spain remains the largest destination, with exports to the country up 140%, while Northern Ireland, Italy, and Algeria also show strong demand for Irish cattle.
Almost 2,000 cattle have been exported to Algeria, and 1,850 cattle going to Israel which is a 44% decrease on the same time last year.
However, calf exports have seen a decline, with just over 5,700 calves sold internationally, marking a 9% drop from 2024 and a staggering 56% decrease from 2023 levels.
Despite the decrease, demand for Irish calves remains steady, with Spain emerging as the top buyer, (2,945 calves), followed by Italy (866) the Netherlands (595) and Northern Ireland (184).
Irish calves are receiving positive feedback for their health and quality, maintaining strong appeal across both established and emerging markets.
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