Suckler numbers reflect decline in beef sector

A decline in the UK suckler herd reflects greater farmer optimism in dairy versus beef, according to a leading Bord Bia business analyst.

Eoin Kelly notes that this suckler decline is resulting in tighter supplies and lower domestic beef production. “The suckler herd in the UK has now fallen by nearly 88,000 head in the past three years,” he said.

“Over time, this has resulted in tighter supplies and lower domestic beef production. However, the increase in dairy cow numbers is reflective of the optimism within the dairy sector ahead of quota removal in 2015.”