Dairy calvings increase by 5%

Data from the ICBF indicate that dairy calvings increased by 5% in 2011 despite an increase of 10% in culling and a big increase in exports.

The number of heifers that calved down increased by 18% over 2010. Heifers accounted for 23% of calvings last year. Based on dairy heifer data, dairy cow numbers are expected to increase by 2.5% this year and over 4% in 2013 despite heavy culling. With the likely increase in dairy breeding, this trend is likely to continue and cause severe over quota problems until after 2015.

Farmers must take proactive steps in the meantime to avoid Super Levy.