Bernard Donohue, Roscommon IFA Livestock Chairman, said another boat-load of 3,300 cattle sailed to Turkey, following 1,900 cattle exported in late September. He described this as a very positive development for livestock farmers.
Mr. Donohue said IFA viewed the loading of the boat, the Atlantic M, with Charolais, Limousine, Simmental, Angus and Hereford cattle under 12 months of age. He said: “IFA worked hard to get the live export market to Turkey opened and it is very positive to see ships moving and the benefits being returned to cattle farmers in marts all across the country.”
The Livestock Chairman said the live export trade is “essential for competition in the livestock sector and was never needed more at this time of low beef prices and rising cattle numbers.”
Mr. Donohue said Turkey is a major live export market and a great opportunity for the Irish livestock sector: “Turkey has an import requirement for 400,000 head of live cattle annually. In 2015, Turkey imported 380,000 head of cattle from Europe and South America. Turkey is a high volume destination, capable of paying good prices.”
