Suckler cow herd ‘in freefall’ as dairy numbers continue to surge

DAIRY cow numbers are at their highest level in over three decades but the suckler cow herd has fallen below the one million mark for the first time in 26 years, according to new figures from the CSO.

As reported in Irish Independent Farming this week, The suckler herd now stands at 999,000, its lowest level since 1993, and the CSO’s June livestock survey shows that suckler cow numbers declined by almost 5pc (48,000hd) in the past 12 months.

In contrast, dairy cow numbers have increased by 1.6pc (23,000hd) to 1.5m the highest figure since EU milk quotas were introduced back in the 1980s.

Suckler cow numbers have been in decline since 2008 on the back of falling margins for beef farmers.

Earlier this year, the Department of Agriculture published figures which showed that 51pc of dedicated suckler herds now have less than 10 animals.

A further contraction in the suckler herd can be expected next year as the impact of the BEAM scheme takes effect. Under the scheme, farmers must reduce bovine livestock manure nitrogen levels by5pc.

Department of Agriculture figures show that 24,000 suckler cow farmers have joined the scheme.

Speaking to the Farming Independent, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said there had been a downward trend for some time, but described the decline in suckler numbers as “modest enough”.

However, IFA national livestock chairman Angus Woods said the continuing pressure on suckler cow numbers highlights the severe income issues in beef farming and the need for increased direct payments for the suckler cow herd.

He added that it is essential that Minister Creed secures additional funding for suckler farmers.

He called for a renewal of the €20m BEEP scheme this year and a simplified and better-funded BDGP scheme next year.

ICSA beef chair Edmund Graham said the ongoing growth in the dairy herd is having a substantial impact on the beef trade.

“ICSA is very concerned that unlimited dairy expansion hasn’t been thought through, especially when you consider the recent findings from Teagasc which show the futility of rearing dairy bred calves,” said Mr Graham.

“Their analysis suggests that rearing a dairy calf to beef will lead to a loss of at least €150/head and over €200/head where there is Jersey cross breeding involved.

“There must be an urgent rethink when it comes to where we are going with the dairy expansion,” added Mr Graham. Dairy suppliers

Photo O’Gorman Photography Pictured at a Teagasc/Kerry Agri Business joint programme farm walk in Firies, Co Kerry on soil fertility, breeding, grass growth & measurement are speakers Paudie O’Brien (host), Ger O’Sullivan, Teagasc Killarney, Majella Moloney, Regional Manager & Robert Prendiville, Teagasc Listowel.