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The English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX) reports data
from the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) showing that since the
European Union
lifted the 1996 export embargo in May 2006, some 76 000 calves, largely
beef crosses from the dairy sector, have travelled to the Continent .
EBLEX
state that the importance of the export trade is underlined by the recovery
in Holstein-Friesian calf prices at auction recorded by
MLC since April 2006 and that weak demand towards the latter part of
2006 / early 2007 (probably due to Bluetongue disease constraints in
Belgium and Holland - two of the principal destinations) has lead to
a decline in prices to just over £20 per head, albeit significantly
higher than a year ago.
There were 2 770 000 calf registrations with BCMS
in 2006, a rise of 18 000 over 2005, but still below the 2003 and 2004
levels. The 2006
figures started to rise from April as the prospect of exports boosted
producer confidence and greater competition was restored to the market
place. Early 2007 registrations show that the year-on-year increase
in passport applications continues.
In the early 1990s Britain was exporting
some 400 to 500 000 calves a year, resulting in a major contribution
to the dairy sector's returns.
The absence of this market and that for cow beef in the last 10 years,
and downward pressures on milk prices, but with added costs and regulations
together with Governmental disinterest, have all contributed to major
problems for Britain's proud dairy production business.
[25 March 07]
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