News Agricultural census CBS
More than 1.000 quitters in dairy farming
The number of dairy farms in the Netherlands has fallen sharply in the past year than in previous years, according to the agricultural census by Statistics Netherlands. More than 1.000 dairy farms have ceased operations in recent months.
The April count, which is based on the Combined Statement, shows that the number of dairy farms has shrunk to 17.050 units. A total of 1.010 dairy farms have held up well in recent months. Such a high number stoppers never occurred in recent years.
Phosphate Reduction Plan
In comparison, between 2013 and 2017, the number of dairy farms shrunk by 500 (an average of just over 100 per year). In the past year, a tenfold of the average in the previous 5 years stopped. In 2009 there were more than 20.000 dairy farms in the Netherlands. A number of dairy farmers may have started keeping goats. The number of companies with goats increased by 270 to 2.930 companies.
The reason for the growing number of quitters is the phosphate reduction plan, and by extension the quitter scheme. Last year, 2 stopper rounds were held, both of which quickly filled up. The regulations regarding phosphate have had a major impact on the various dairy farms, and entrepreneurs are still struggling with the introduction of the legal system.
Clearing in young stock
At the time of the reduction plan, many (dairy) farmers were forced to make deep cuts in their livestock. For example, the cattle herd this year will drop below 2013 million for the first time since 4. The dairy herd also decreased by 4% to 1,63 million cows. The greatest clear-cutting, however, took place in the young stock. This number decreased by 162.000, or 14%, to 1,15 million animals.
Wouter Job
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