Analysis from the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) has pointed to early signs of cattle supply recovery as calf registrations increased on the year.
LMC said the signs of recovery were due to the rise in calf registrations on the year, with the breakdown of beef versus dairy sires “suggesting some future strengthening” in the sector.
The statistics outline that to the beginning of September, an increase of 11,527 calves were registered for the year to date, beef sired calves increased by 3.7%, and dairy sired calves remained stable (0.2%).
The LMC Market Intelligence team noted that the increase in beef calf registrations comes at a time when the latest on-farm figures indicate an increase in the overall cattle population. Cattle numbers on 1st October were up by 28,403 head, or 1.7% year-on-year, providing a positive indication for the overall supply base.
LMC suggested that higher overall cattle numbers alongside stronger numbers of beef-sired calves pointed towards some recovery in NI cattle supplies. Data from 1st October indicated a 3.1% increase in cattle for beef production in NI, and the overall increase in all cattle on farms in NI (28,403 head or 1.7%) is led by a 3.6% increase in beef cattle (35,374 head).
While the number of dairy females on farms remained stable at 589,086 head, dairy males number 48,996, having fallen in the year by 3,214 head or -6.2% and likely the result of increased use of sexed semen within the dairy herd. LMC reported that beef breeds account for 61.4% of total cattle in NI, while dairy breeds comprise 38.6%.
With little change this year in dairy cow numbers, LMC said that growth in future cattle supplies will largely depend on the level of confidence calf producers have in the beef market outlook going forward. Overall, said LMC, the latest figures provide encouragement and are suggestive of gradual recovery.
