Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Mar 1992

Vol. 416 No. 7

Written Answers. - National Herd Statistics

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

96 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the numbers for each of the past six years for, (a) the national beef herd, (b) the dairy cow herd, (c) the sheep flock and (d) the number of pigs, and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The figures requested for the years 1986-1991 are as follows:

	'000
1991	1990	1989	1988	1987	1986
(a) National beef herd	5,528	5,368	5,153	4,945	4,958	4,965
(b) Dairy cow herd	1,449	1,463	1,478	1,481	1,527	1,582
(c) Sheep flock	9,100	8,691	7,698	6,656	5,595	5,012
(d) Number of pigs	1,110	1,047	989	976	995	1,000

The above figures relate in respect of cattle and sheep to June of each year and in respect of pigs to August.

The national beef herd has been increasing since 1989 but there is some evidence to suggest that numbers may now have peaked and that there will in fact be a slight reduction in the near future.

Dairy cow numbers have been reducing over the last number of years in response mainly to milk quota cuts.

Sheep numbers have increased dramatically over the last six years in response to relatively good returns from the enterprise. These returns have been very much influenced by the EC support arrangements — ewe premium, headage payments — for the sector. The increase in numbers in 1991 has slowed down considerably and the outlook for 1992 is that a further small increase will take place.

Pig numbers have also been increasing since 1988 in response to improved market conditions and indications are that there may be a further increase during 1992.