Co. Cork-based firm, Curzon Livestock has confirmed to Agriland that it has secured a contract to supply approximately 1,500 heavy bulls to an overseas market.
A statement from Curzon Livestock to Agriland confirmed: “Curzon Livestock is currently sourcing heavy bulls for export. In order to be eligible, bulls should be approximately 600kg or over.”
Concluding, the statement from Curzon Livestock said: “Farmers with eligible bulls should contact Curzon Livestock without delay.”
The customers for the bulls are based in Algeria, and the consignment of cattle are set to depart in the coming weeks.
The news of additional markets opening for heavy bulls comes at a time when some farmers who are currently finishing bulls, have noted delays when getting them booked in to certain factories for slaughter.
To date, the opening quarter of 2024 has seen stronger cattle supplies than the same time period of last year and with this, some processors are giving preference to filling more of their kill sheets with steers (bullocks) and heifers, with less interest in bull beef.
Processors have given clear indications in recent years (and continue to do so) that the market preference is for steer beef as opposed to bull beef but despite this, most factories will still have some jobs for finished bulls.
As well as this, where factories are buying bulls, there is a preference for bulls with carcass weights in the 300-400kg weight range.
As bulls tend to deliver higher kill-outs and better weight gain, it is not unusual for bulls to go over these carcass weight specifications.
This time of the year is a critical time for bull beef finishers, as spring 2022-born bulls approach the 24-month-age limit, and spring 2023-born bulls will soon be beginning their ad-lib concentrate finishing period – if being targeted at an under-16-month bull beef system.
Where farmers have finished bulls to sell, the export market is currently providing an additional market outlet option and is another feasible market for farmers with eligible bulls.