In the first seven weeks of 2025, 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.