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Minimal change for dairy calf registrations in Q1
Monday, 26 June 2023
In the first quarter of 2023 (Jan-Mar), calf registrations to dairy dams reached 403,158 head, according to the latest BCMS data. This is almost in line with numbers from this time last year, with Q1 2023 up by only 781 head. However, compared to the 5-year average, registration numbers in the first three months of 2023 are up by 4.2% (16,180 head). This follows a longer-term trend of increasing numbers in Q1 as more farmers adopt a block calving pattern.
This minimal change in registration numbers suggests that farmers have been thus far able to maintain their herd sizes despite the high input costs seen in 2022, likely due to the higher milk prices paid in the latter half of the year. Although the inflationary pressure on input costs has begun to ease, milk prices have seen significant reductions so far this year on the back of weakening demand. If the decline in milk prices continues while costs remain historically high, it may lead to some farmers to start destocking in the coming months.
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