Over 1,000 Friesian bulls will be exported to Libya next week under a contract arranged by Supreme Livestock – a Co. Louth based exporter.
The company has confirmed to AgriLand that a livestock carrier will dock later next week to carry the bulls to their destination.
Speaking to AgriLand, Patsy McCabe – owner of Supreme Livestock – outlined that they are in the final stages of securing Friesian bulls to complete the consignment.
He said: “We are looking for approximately 1,200 black and white Friesian bulls. We’re also looking for some breeding stock and in-calf heifers for the shipment.”
Last year, some 1,830 Irish cattle were exported to Libya; down from the 2,162 shipped the year previous.
Turkish tender
In other export news, the Turkish government has also offered a tender for 100,000 finished bulls. It requires bulls – between 12 and 24 months – that weigh more than 450kg.
Charolais, Limousin, Angus, Hereford, Belgian Blue, Blonde d’Aquitaine, Saler, Simmental and Aubrac will all be accepted. The only dairy breeds permitted are Brown Swiss and Montbelliard.
However, a closer look at the tender’s terms and conditions suggests that it will be extremely difficult – and nearly impossible – for Irish based-exporters to submit a successful bid.
Also Read: Analysis: Why the 100,000 head Turkish contract is out of the reach of Irish exportersIssues still surround calf exports
After a number of weeks of uncertainty, some clarity was restored to the calf export market last week. It has been confirmed that the ferry – which is set to replace the Stena Horizon – has been given the green light to carry live export trucks.
A source close to the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed told AgriLand that an inspection of an alternative vessel to the Stena Horizon went well.
The alternative vessel will be available for the transport of livestock from February 20. This is welcome news and comes as a relief to those involved in the trade.
However, issues still remain around the boats capacity; particularly regarding the number of berths that will be available for specialist livestock carries.