Turkey Becomes Main Outlet for Uruguayan Dairy Heifers

Exports of Holstein and Jersey heifers from Uruguay to Turkey are absorbing much of the surplus produced by the country’s dairy farms. Federico Di Santi, director of the DSR livestock office, said the market depends not only on the price paid per animal but also on a steady buyer capable of taking the excess female calves generated by dairy production.

The supply available for sale has narrowed. With milk prices holding firm, some Uruguayan farmers are keeping heifers on their own farms rather than selling them. Auctions have consequently offered fewer animals, while prices have remained close to autumn levels even during the spring selling season.

Values differ according to the animals’ stage of development and quality. Heifers close to calving generally sell for between $1,600 and $1,800. Those with stronger genetics, registration papers or special sale conditions can exceed $2,000, while animals whose calving dates are further away trade at about $1,500.

DSR has an export shipment scheduled for December and is assessing additional transactions for 2027. The operator said prices have reached high levels in recent months and may require an adjustment for the trade to remain commercially viable over the medium term.

China has begun making inquiries about Uruguayan dairy cattle, but no transaction has been completed. According to the report, the obstacle is freight rather than buyer interest: shipping an animal to China costs 40%–50% more than sending it to Turkey. That difference reduces the competitiveness of Chinese purchases while Uruguayan prices remain elevated.

The article was published on September 18, 2026, and identified Turkey as the main destination for the country’s Holstein and Jersey heifer exports. It also described the current market as one with concentrated foreign demand and reduced domestic availability.