Total cattle numbers at an almost 12-year low

According to a provisional report by the CSO, the total number of cattle in Ireland is at a 12-year low, with farming organisations citing several factors

Total cattle numbers have dropped by 3.9% (278,300) in the 12 months to June 2025.

Total cattle numbers have fallen to an almost 12-year low, with provisional total cattle numbers recorded at 6,904,800 in June 2025.

Following the latest Crops and Livestock provisional report, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) has logged a decrease of 3.9% (278,300) in total cattle numbers in the 12 months to June 2025.