Almost 62,000 cattle have been exported so far, compared to 32,958 in the same period in 2008. Some 60% of the animals exported were calves, while 24% were weanlings/stores and 15% were finished cattle. Continental markets have been performing well, particularly the calf and weanling trade.

Due to falling production China –the fourth biggest market in the world for beef is to become a net importer. These imports will come from Australia, New Zealand, South America & the USA thereby taking pressure off EU markets- good news for Irish cattle farmers.

It’s been a good Easter for lamb producers as prices in Ireland, Britain, Belgium & France were excellent due to tight supplies (down 14% in Republic of Ireland). We export two thirds of our lambs and the Muslim population is growing in the EU so future prospects are good. Incidentally the Republic of Ireland is the fifth largest producer of lamb in the EU.

Due to the collapse of the construction sector farm labour is no longer a major issue and farmers can now get building work done quickly & at very competitive prices.

Those wishing to get into farming or who wish to increase farm size is that the price of agricultural land has halved over the last year. (Ref Farmers Journal survey). Conacre prices have also fallen so farmers can now rent extra land without paying OTT.