
The rate of cow culling in Ireland has hit a 10-year high, up 15 per cent from 2021, with 311,484 slaughtered so far this year, analysis by Farming Independent has shown.
Figures from the Department of Agriculture show that only 107,730 of those cows were from the suckler herd.
A ministry spokesman said that assuming a proportionate slaughter rate for the remainder of 2022, it looks like the slaughter of suckler cows will fall by 7 per cent this year compared to last year.
“The suckler cow population is relatively stable and has decreased by 3 percent since 2020. Battle numbers fell nearly 9 percent from 2020 to 2021,” the spokesman continued.
Annual figures released by the ICBF show that as of June 1, 2022, the national suckler herd was 908,681 cows. This was a 3.1 percent decrease from the 2021 figures.
ICBF Chief Executive Sean Coughlan commented that suckler cow numbers remain “fairly resilient” and that the industry is not experiencing the “exodus” that had previously been touted.
“Bord Bia has informed us that the weight of the cow butt came from the dairy herd,” said Brendan Golden, Chair of the IFA National Livestock Committee Independent Farming.
“If you have a cow that is not pregnant yet, you cannot afford to keep her on the farm. You can’t afford free riders this year, not even on a dairy farm.”
Mr Golden described the low level of culling within the suckler herd as “very positive news” but warned of the struggles many farmers are facing as costs remain high.
“We know the challenges and low margins, but the suckler cow is doing a hell of a job that’s bringing in a few pounds for many part-time farmers across the country.
“Total numbers have declined in recent years, mainly as a result of herds being lost to dairy farming.”
Macroom Mart manager Jerh O’Sullivan told the Farming Independent he had seen large numbers of cows pass through the ring in recent months.
“First, dairy farmers are culling harder and bringing in new genetics through pregnant heifers,” he said.
“Second, some parent farmers are dropping out entirely. Those with 15-30 cows have been very popular over the past two years.
“The final reason cow sales are up is so farmers can get a good ringside price without having to go to the factory themselves.”
ICSA Secretary-General Eddie Punch said the high prices for cull cows have encouraged many farmers to address inefficiencies. “This year there was real incentive to streamline your herd with some culled cows raking in €2,000.”
Mr Punch also pointed out that high levels of culling do not necessarily indicate the ‘opening of the floodgates’ but continue to raise concerns about policy choices within the new CAP which comes into force on 1 January 2023.
“In 2023 it’s a whole new ball game,” he said. “Farmers will be committed for an additional five years with a smaller budget than previous schemes.
“These policy decisions and escalated costs are sending a negative message to farmers.”
https://www.independent.ie/business/farming/news/suckler-herd-numbers-hold-steady-despite-national-cull-at-10-year-high-42180632.html Dairy herd numbers remain at a 10-year high despite nationwide culling