Two Irish exporters have livestock ships on their way to Irish ports.

The Finola M is currently in the west Mediterranean and is due to dock in Greenore Port next Tuesday, 25 January.

This ship will be loaded with 2,000 Friesian bulls weighing between 300kg and 500kg for export to Libya.

The MV Sarah is also in the west Mediterranean, heading for Foynes Port in Limerick and is due to dock on 25 January.

It will also be loaded with Friesian bulls destined for Libya. Both exporters have been very active over the last few weeks assembling animals for the two loads.

We are expecting the strong live export trade to Northern Ireland to hold for much of 2022

Prices paid by the exporters are in the region of €1.60/kg to €1.70/kg liveweight.

Live cattle exports were back by 7% in 2021 to 250,000 head.

Weanling exports saw the biggest decline with an increase on forward store and finished cattle exported to Northern Ireland.

Bord Bia analyst Mark Zieg said: “We are expecting the strong live export trade to Northern Ireland to hold for much of 2022, with good demand for beef across the water underpinning this. We saw some of the third country markets like Libya and Turkey subdued in 2021 but some recovery is expected and a growing interest from Libya, Morocco and Israel in recent weeks.”