Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 February 2024
237. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number in the beef herd at present; the extent to which numbers have fluctuated in the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8606/24]
View answerThe CSO Livestock Survey presents data on the number of cattle, sheep and pigs in the country. The most recent results for December 2023 show a continuing contraction in the size of the national beef breeding herd relative to the corresponding periods since 2020 and reflects structural changes in the cattle sector. Beef cow data for the last four years is presented in the table below.
|
- |
Dec-23 (thousand head) |
Dec-22 (thousand head) |
Dec-21(thousand head) |
Dec-20(thousand head) |
|
Beef cows |
818.6 |
861.7 |
889.7 |
922.7 |
Historic data on trends in cattle numbers can be extracted from my Department’s annual AIM Bovine Statistics Reports. These reports, which are also used as the basis for the CSO's livestock surveys, are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/d5dc1-aim-bovine-statistics-reports/
Additionally, a wide range of AIM data is published on my Department's website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/467e3-cattle-aim/#bovine-birth-and-movements-monthly-reports
I am very conscious of the contribution of cattle rearing and finishing enterprises to the overall agri-food sector and to our rural economy. Ensuring the productivity, viability and future sustainability of suckler beef sector is a priority.
In that regard, Budget 2024 demonstrated my unwavering commitment to our beef farmers. I was pleased to provide targeted supports of more than €113m for the livestock sectors. Beef farmers will also be well placed to benefit from supports for environmental measures and the supports available for farmers transitioning to organic farming.
The Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme provides support to beef farmers to improve the environmental sustainability of the national beef herd and to improve the genetic merit of the suckler herd. The funding of €256 million in the lifetime of this programme is a recognition of the importance of the suckler sector to Ireland’s economy. Payments amounting to €47m issued to almost 15,400 eligible participants last December which equates to an average payment of over €3,000 per beneficiary.
In addition, I will continue to deliver in 2024 an exchequer-funded beef scheme. Combined these schemes allow me to continue providing the €200 per suckler cow payment achieved in 2023.
My officials are currently examining how the additional funding for 2024 can best be utilised to benefit beef farmers. I will elaborate on my specific proposals to further assist the sector upon completion of this process.
I remain fully committed to supporting the beef sector and, in particular, the farming families who are integral to the environmental, economic and social sustainability of rural communities.
