Search our website enhanced by Google.
GB milking herd continues to contract, while youngstock numbers stay high
Thursday, 8 September 2022
The GB milking herd totalled 1.63 million head of cattle, a decrease of 17,000 head (1%) below July 2021, according to the latest data from British Cattle Movement Service. Overall youngstock numbers have continued to increase, and as of July 2022 totalled 941,000 head, up 3.4% (31,000 head) on July 2021.
Despite the overall category growth, within youngstock there was a 1.7% drop in the number of calves aged 0-6months (3,800 head), compared to the same time last year. Additionally, there was a slight quarter-on-quarter decline in the number of 0-2 year olds – the first since January 2020.
All main age categories aside from youngstock saw contraction in numbers, with the largest decline seen in the 4-6 year group, back 13,100 head (-2.6%). Due to the increase in youngstock there has been a small growth in overall herd size from July 2021, up 0.3% (7,900 head).
Although the milking herd has been in long term decline, the increase in youngstock could help stabilise numbers as they start to move up through the herd. Conversely, given the financial pressures farmers are under we could instead see additional destocking, either as an overall contraction to ease financial burdens or to make room for youngstock moving up. Based on cull cow numbers, this does not appear to have happened to date, however it will be a point of discussion with industry at this week’s milk forecasting forum.
Sign up to receive the latest information from AHDB.
While AHDB seeks to ensure that the information contained on this webpage is accurate at the time of publication, no warranty is given in respect of the information and data provided. You are responsible for how you use the information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, AHDB accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused or suffered (including that caused by negligence) directly or indirectly in relation to the information or data provided in this publication.
All intellectual property rights in the information and data on this webpage belong to or are licensed by AHDB. You are authorised to use such information for your internal business purposes only and you must not provide this information to any other third parties, including further publication of the information, or for commercial gain in any way whatsoever without the prior written permission of AHDB for each third party disclosure, publication or commercial arrangement. For more information, please see our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice or contact the Director of Corporate Affairs at info@ahdb.org.uk © Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. All rights reserved.