Irish Dairy Sector Faces Threat from Decline in Herd Replacements

The Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) has issued a stern warning concerning the state of dairy herd replacements within the country, describing new data as a "serious wake-up call." Statistics from the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), shared with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), show a worrying trend: dairy female calf registrations are forecasted to drop by 12.5% in 2025 compared to 2024, and a 9.5% year-on-year decline in first-calved heifers has been observed.

This dual decrease in both dairy female calves and first-calved heifers suggests an impending period of strong demand for dairy heifers over the coming years, and challenges the sector to maintain its current herd sizes. The ICOS press release highlights that "in the very near future, the number of dairy replacements will not be enough to sustain the dairy herd at present levels."

As the breeding season progresses, ICOS recommends that farmers seek relevant advice and ensure an optimal level of dairy artificial insemination (AI) to produce adequate replacements. It also stresses the importance of breeding policies that include selection for resistance to the increasing incidence of bovine tuberculosis (TB).

Moreover, ICOS urges the government to heed this "serious wake-up call," emphasizing the need for policy measures that retain the Nitrates Derogation and tackle the generational renewal necessary for the sector's future sustainability. With the sharp decline in cow numbers expected, measures to reduce the incidences of bovine TB are deemed critical.

ICOS, representing cooperatives across Ireland, underscores the economic impact, citing a €16 billion turnover within the cooperative sector. This includes 175,000 members and employment for 12,000 in Ireland, with an additional 24,000 overseas, signifying the substantial role these organizations play in the agricultural framework.