Beef farming in the Republic of Ireland is underpinned by two distinct but closely linked production systems. A traditional beef cow suckler herd produces in excess of 700,000 calves annually, while the national dairy herd supplies over one million calves each year that are ultimately destined for beef production. A significant proportion of the animals born annually are exported live, primarily to other Member States within the European Union, with a smaller number shipped to selected markets outside the EU.
In 2024, Ireland exported approximately 362,000 cattle live, with the Netherlands, Spain and Italy accounting for the three principal destination markets. Of these exports, almost 200,000 animals were young dairy-bred calves, while the remainder consisted mainly of weaned suckler-bred calves. This live export trade represents a critically important market outlet for both dairy and suckler beef farmers and plays a central role in maintaining balance within the Irish cattle sector.
Profitable milk production in Ireland is based predominantly on a grass-based production system. To maximise the utilisation of grazed grass, the vast majority of Irish dairy herds operate a compact spring-calving system. Calving typically begins in early February, with a target of having approximately 80% of cows calved within the first six weeks of the season. While this system delivers significant efficiency advantages, it also results in a very large volume of calves becoming available for sale over a relatively short period.
The live export trade provides an essential outlet for these calves, particularly during the peak months of February and March, and substantially relieves pressure on the domestic market. Without this export channel, the supply of calves available within Ireland during this period would be significantly greater, with negative implications for both calf values and farm profitability. For dairy farmers in particular, live exports are therefore a key component of maintaining economic sustainability within a seasonal, pasture-based system.
Live exports are equally important to Ireland’s suckler beef sector. Weanlings exported from suckler herds are primarily destined for Spanish and Italian feedlot systems, where there is strong demand for cattle with above-average conformation and growth potential. These markets are accustomed to sourcing well-shaped weanlings from across Europe, and Irish exporters must meet these expectations to remain competitive.
As a result, the trade in suckler-bred weanlings from Ireland is closely linked to breeding strategies that prioritise carcass conformation, frame and growth capacity. Weanlings that meet these criteria consistently achieve the highest price per kilogram, both through livestock marts and in direct farm-to-farm sales. The premium associated with export-quality weanlings feeds directly back into breeding decisions at farm level and underpins confidence in the suckler production system.
Given the scale of its importance, the live export trade is supported by stringent animal welfare standards. Irish Department of Agriculture veterinary personnel enforce rigorous controls at every stage of the process, from animal purchase and assembly through transport and onward delivery to the final destination. These controls are designed to ensure that the trade operates to the highest welfare standards, protecting both Ireland’s reputation and the long-term viability of this vital market outlet.
In summary, live exports are not a peripheral activity within Irish beef production; they are a fundamental structural component of both the dairy-beef and suckler sectors. Their continued operation is essential to farm incomes, market stability and the sustainability of Ireland’s grass-based livestock systems.
