Search our website enhanced by Google.
GB milking herd continues to shrink
Wednesday, 26 February 2020
By Hannah Clarke
The GB milking herd has shrunk again, according to the latest data from the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS). At 1 Jan 2020, the herd stood at 1.72 million head, down 3% (-49,600 head) from the same point last year.
The largest contributor to the decline was the lower number of cows aged 2-4yrs (-42,500 head). This follows the current trend, as the lower number of calves on the ground 2-4 years ago works its way up through the age brackets.
There was also a decline in the number of cows aged 6-8yrs (-15,800 head). Offsetting this slightly was the number of cows aged 4-6yrs, which was up by 10,500 head compared to January 2019. Again, these figures follow herd trends of previous years.
While the number of youngstock (0-2yrs) dropped by 5,700 head on the year, an increase in numbers aged 0-6mths (+1,800 head), helped to slow the overall decline in youngstock numbers.
The slowing rate of decline in youngstock numbers suggests some future stabilisation of the GB milking herd size.
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.