Ned O'Keeffe
Question:123 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the total number of cattle in this country for the years 1986 to 1990, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Cattle Numbers.
The CSO estimate of cattle numbers in June of each of the years between 1986 and 1989 was:
|
1986 |
— |
6.7 millions |
|
1987 |
— |
6.6 millions |
|
1988 |
— |
6.6 millions |
|
1989 |
— |
6.8 millions |
Figures for June 1990 are not yet available but the December 1989 figures show that there had been a 4.6 per cent increase at that stage over the same period in the previous year.
Cattle numbers had been in decline for the three years up to 1988 principally due to the reduction in cow numbers following the implementation of the EC dairy quota. However, I am pleased to say that cattle numbers have begun to build up over the past year due to increase in the size of the beef herd. During 1989 there was a 16 per cent increase in the beef breeding herd which bodes well for future beef cattle herd size.