Farmers benefit from live exports as ships sail to Turkey - IFA

MR. JOHN GRAHAM, Sligo IFA Livestock Chairman, said another boat load of 3,300 cattle sailed to Turkey, following a boat load of 1,900 cattle exported in late September. He described this as a very positive development for livestock farmers.

Mr. Graham said IFA viewed the loading of the boat, the Atlantic M, with Charlois, 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 IFA 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. Graham 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.”

Mr. Graham said it is expected that several more ships loads will sail to Turkey between now and Christmas. He said IFA is lobbying hard for additional ships to be cleared to add to the capacity of the trade and this is expected to happen.