Viastar, the Co Meath-based live exporting firm, has secured a contract to export 4,000 bulls to Egypt.

The contract, which is for bulls weighing between 200kg and 400kg will focus on Hereford, Aberdeen Angus and plainer continental weanlings.

Weanlings are currently being sourced and will undergo quarantine before two planned shipments in early autumn.

Live exports

Live exports continue to perform very well with total cattle exports in 2022 running 12% ahead of 2021 levels at 211,032 head for the first six months of 2022.

Calf exports are still very active with over 1,000 calves/week moving out of the country in the last few weeks.

Calf exports for the first six months of the year stand at 163,409 head, a 20% increase on 2021 levels.

The Netherlands has been the standout market for calves this year with almost 95,000 ?purchased by Dutch buyers in the first six months of 2022.