Cattle export company Curzon Livestock plans to step up exports of Irish cattle to Libya this year in a partnership deal with the owners of a specialist livestock boat, the Sarah M.

It means the boat will be exclusively available for the higher number of contracts Curzon hopes to sign with Libyan buyers, with the first boatload of 2021 expected to sail in February.

The Department-approved Sarah M can hold up to 2,500 head, depending on the weight of the cattle.

Demand

Curzon said that there is now good demand in Libya, year round, for young Friesian and continental cross bulls from Ireland for finishing on farms and feedlots.

Irish stock have performed well and buyers and finishers there have developed a preference for Irish cattle, it said.

Exports to Libya from Ireland were 14,903 head in 2020, a 63% increase on the previous year. Curzon Livestock accounted for most of these exports.