A consignment of bulls is currently being sought for the Libyan market, with 2,000 males wanted.

Exporters, Curzon Livestock, are sourcing Friesian bulls weighing 250-650kg. The bulls are earmarked to set sail for Libyan farms in mid-April.

Farmers with the desired breed and spec can contact Curzon Livestock at 021-4897881.

According to the latest Bord Bia figures, (up to the week ending March 20) there has been 3,032 head of cattle shipped to Libya so far this year.

Overall, live exports have tallied to 72,011 – which is ahead of the same period in 2020 by 1,023 head.

Beef trade

In other beef news this week, finishers are receiving quotes of €3.80/kg for steers, with some quotes of €3.85/kg also being offered.

Meanwhile, heifers are being priced at €3.85/kg but there are cases of €3.90/kg being secured. There has even been mention of deals of up to €3.95/kg but this is dependent on the load and the finisher’s relationship with the plant.

For cows this week, P-grades are still priced around €3.10/kg – depending on quality and flesh. O-grades are priced at €3.20-3.30/kg, with deals for R-grades starting at €3.45/kg reaching up to €3.65/kg for the better quality cows.

Prices for bulls under 16 months-old have improved slightly, as quotes are now starting off at €3.80/kg on the grid.

Under 24-month-old bulls are valued at €3.90-3.95/kg for U-grades, while R-grades are receiving €3.80-3.85/kg. O-grades are being quoted around €3.70/kg.