Ireland: No sailing for 5,000 calves due to weather conditions

Two companies that operate livestock shipping, including calves, from Ireland to Cherbourg, France, have been forced to suspend service because of adverse weather conditions. Agriland understands that the transport of 17 consignments, of approximately 300 calves each, which were due to depart today (Thursday, March 9) from Ireland to mainland Europe, will no longer go ahead. Met Éireann has advised that sea crossings from Ireland to France will be “rough, increasing very rough to high this evening” and will remain unsettled throughout Friday (March 10). Irish calf buyers who are supplying to markets in mainland Europe were less active at marts around the country this week because they were aware that weather conditions could potentially impact on shipping services. Advertisement This is likely to have resulted in lower demand and reduced prices for export-type Friesian bull calves. Exporters told Agriland that they are hopeful that normal sailing conditions will resume as soon ...