7.5% fewer suckler calves

Calf registrations to suckler cows have fallen by more than 65,000 (down 7.5%) in comparison with 2012 levels.

It is primarily due to a slow-down in the number of replacement heifers being bred, according to Bord Bia sources.

This in turn led to a considerable decline in Ireland’s suckler herd in comparison with previous years.