Irish dairy herd increases throughout decade

The Irish dairy herd will amount to 2020 million animals at the end of 1,57. That is an increase of 3,7% compared to the previous year and the second consecutive year with a livestock herd of more than 1,51 million animals. The figures from data agency ICBF also show that growth has been strong over the past decade. In 2011, the dairy herd amounted to 1,14 million animals, a difference of more than 37% compared to last year.

On an annual basis, 2015 and 2016 show the largest increase. In calendar year 2015, the dairy herd increased by 7,3% to 1,32 million animals and in 2016 the growth was 6,7%. This brought the dairy herd to 1,40 million animals that year. A few years before the abolition of the European milk quota, growth was at its lowest, namely in 2013: +1,6%. It is therefore not surprising that the milk supply was also higher last year.

Where is the largest dairy herd located?
Most of the dairy herd is in the Cork region. About a quarter of the entire dairy herd can be found here: 388.831 dairy cows. Over the past decade, the dairy herd in this region has increased by almost 30%. Between 2019 and 2020, the dairy herd increased by 2,6%. This area is followed by the Tipperary region. The dairy herd for 2020 amounts to 178.253 dairy cows. That is an increase of no less than 44,5% compared to 2011.

Moreover, the growth in the dairy herd is not reflected in Irish milk prices. The prices of Glanbia, Kerry Agribusiness and Dairygold have been following a seasonal pattern since 2018. In 2015 and 2016 - the years with the greatest growth in the dairy herd - there will be a significant decline, but this is expected to be mainly due to the abolition of the milk quota. As a result, the amount of milk increased considerably.