Taking stock of the live export market

Producing high quality weanlings destined for the premium continental markets is a possible option for Northern Ireland beef farmers, but it is a specialised market and has specific requirements. Since the lifting of the export ban, there have been a number of farmers who have successfully exported live weanlings direct from farm to the high value Italian market, through a local shipping agent.

The high value Italian market is very specific in terms of cattle breed, age, weight and weanling quality and meeting these requirements can invariably result in a higher cost of production. It also means that not every farm will be suited to producing for this market. Suckler producers should review their farm enterprise, both financially and physically, to assess if it is a viable option for their business. The following is a guideline to the requirements of producing for the live weanling market in Italy.

Cows can be pure continental, but must be at least a crossbred continental animal with Limousin, Blonde and Belgian Blue most suitable. Cow frame should be large, square and at least an R grade for carcase quality. As cows become extreme with muscle, calving and fertility problems occur, reducing productivity.

The breed and colour of calf is very specific. Buyers want calves with E or U grade conformation with the preferred breeds being Belgian Blue, Blonde, Limousin and Charolais (depending on bone content). Only bulls and heifers are suitable, steers are not desired.  Acceptable weight ranges from 350 KG up to 450 KG and cattle must be well shaped and lean. Prices vary depending on the quality of weanlings, ranging from £1-40 to £1-60/ KG.

The live weanling trade is also subject to a number of factors beyond the farmer’s control.  Disease regulations, currency fluctuations and delayed boats due to weather conditions can hold up the export business.

Murtagh Walls, who farms at Hilltown and runs 50 suckler cows along with 80 ewes has just exported his first batch of live weanlings this winter. The calves were 10 months old and weighed approximately 400  KG at sale. Cattle are normally taken through to beef, although occasionally some are sold as stores. Due to low finished beef prices, Murtagh feels that the live weanling market is a viable option that gives a reward for continually breeding top quality cattle.

Murtagh’s cows are Limousin crosses out of West of Ireland cows and bred back to his Limousin stock bull. Heifers are normally retained, as buying in heifers of similar quality would be expensive. His cows calve in two batches to ease the pressure on housing, with the bulk of the herd calving in March, the remainder in autumn. March calving produces a cheaper calf at weaning as it has benefited from a full grazing season.

Calves are creep fed for a short period at weaning to weaken the bond with the cow and reduce the stress levels post weaning. They are wormed in late spring and vaccinated with Rispoval 4 before and after weaning. Proper vaccination of calves is vital for a successful live export trade as weaning just before sale, combined with a long period in transit severely stresses calves. This makes them susceptible to diseases such as IBR and Pneumonia. This can result in lung damage, reduced liveweight gain or death. Vaccinated calves will be stronger and better suited to the long shipping journey.

The combination of good breeding, husbandry and health practices on Murtagh’s farm has resulted in calves that suitable for export, stores or finishing. As the spring calving season approaches, farmers have to assess their production systems more carefully than ever to decide what market outlet will be most viable for their farm. The potential to export cattle from Northern Ireland to continental markets is increasing and does offer a higher price for quality cattle but will not be suitable for all farms. For more information on live export requirements, contact your local beef and sheep advisor.

Spring born bull weanlings suitable for export

Murtagh Walls and his son Niall who have recently exported their first batch of weanlings

Some of Murtagh Walls cows and calves at grass