A Cork-based livestock exporter has secured a second contract to ship bulls to Libya in the coming weeks.

Curzon Livestock is putting together a consignment of 2,000 Friesian bulls.

The bulls being sourced by the company must be between 300kg and 500kg, have no horns and be free of ringworm.

This contract is in addition to the Meath-based live export company Viastar, which is also putting together a load of 2,000 bulls for shipment to Libya by the end of the month.

The fact there are two players in the market has put some bite into the trade.

It is reported that both exporting firms are paying in the region of €1.50-€1.70/kg depending on quality, numbers and type.

With increased ration costs this winter, some bull finishers are taking the decision to sell stock rather than taking a risk on the 2022 beef price.

Meanwhile, beef quotes are about to turn a corner as demand exceeds supply across the country.

Factories had managed to keep a lid on base prices up until the end of last week but a number of processors have had to increase quotes this week to secure supplies.

Last week’s kill was back over 600 head on the week before and this week’s kill is expected to be down further.

Retail orders have pushed factories to marts to purchase cattle for slaughter, with premium lines for Hereford and Aberdeen Angus in exceptional demand over the last week.

Heifers are working off €4.20-€4.30/kg, with €4.35/kg paid at the top end. Bullocks are trading at €4.15-€4.20/kg, with €4.30/kg being paid to bigger suppliers. Cows remain steady with prices ranging from €3.45/kg for a P+3 cow to €4.00/kg for a U grading suckler cow.