The history of suckler cows in Ireland

Introduction

This brief history explores the evolution of suckler cows in Ireland since the 1970s, highlighting key shifts in farming practices, policies, and market dynamics.

Background

The 1970s and 1980s

Historically, suckler cows in Ireland were predominantly grazed on the poorer soils of the western regions.

This practice was common throughout Europe, where suckler beef production was a significant part of rural farming life.

The 1970s marked the beginning of a shift toward more specialized suckler beef production.

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This change was driven by a growing demand for high-quality Irish beef and the desire to diversify farm incomes.

A key turning point was Ireland’s accession to the European Union in 1973, which brought subsidies and structural supports that benefited farmers.

With the introduction of milk quotas in the 1980s, many smaller dairy farmers found it increasingly difficult to maintain dairy production.

As a result, some of these farmers sold their dairy quotas and transitioned to suckler and dry stock farming.

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The 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s.

In the 1990s, the introduction of quotas for suckler cows under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) led to a sharp increase in suckler cow numbers.

By the early 2000s, suckler cow numbers peaked at approximately 1.2 million. This was a period of optimism for suckler farming, with strong exports of high-quality continental weanlings to other European countries.

However, the 2000s saw a major policy shift. EU subsidies were decoupled from livestock, meaning farmers were no longer directly supported based on livestock numbers.. Without the financial incentives, many farmers started to reduced their suckler cow operations.

The 2020s

The last two decades have witnessed a steady decline in the number of suckler cows in Ireland.

The trend has accelerated recently, driven by a combination of factors, including demographic changes and the shift toward environmental farming schemes.

The age profile of farmers is also increasing, with the average age of a suckler farmer now around 58 years. Additionally, many younger generations are not pursuing careers in farming, partly due to the demands of the profession and the financial pressures involved.

This trend suggests that the decline in suckler cow numbers may continue.

Currently, the number of suckler cows in Ireland stands at around 750,000, with dairy beef animals outnumbering suckler cows at a ratio of approximately two to one.

This further highlights the shift in focus toward dairy production over traditional suckler beef systems.

Comment

Despite the ongoing decline in suckler cow numbers, the high prices of cattle may provide some hope for the sector.

If cattle prices remain strong, it could offer farmers the financial incentive to maintain or even expand their suckler herds.

However, with current trends in policy and the aging farming population, it remains to be seen whether this will significantly slow the decline of suckler cows in Ireland. I, for one, hope that it will.

Teagasc provides a Local Advisory and Education service to farmers. They have offices based in Roscommon Town (Tel: 090 6626166), Castlerea (Tel: 094 9620160) and Longford Town (Tel: 043 3341021), You can find us on Facebook @Teagasc roscommonlongford, Instagram @teagasc.rnld and X @teagascRNLD. Email; RoscommonLongford [email protected]