Little change in cattle numbers

Cattle numbers are virtually unchanged at 5.92 million, despite dairy cow numbers rising almost 3%, in the December survey by the Central Statistics Office.

Sheep numbers increased by more than 6%, with more ewes kept for breeding, and extra lambs for finishing in early 2012. Ewes under two years of age increased by more than 13%.

‘Other’ cattle aged over two years were 101,000 head lower. Numbers aged one to two years were 79,000 lower, indicating ongoing tight supply for much of 2012.