The NI dairy herd decreased in size in 2016 to 312,000 head in December, according to figures published by DAERA on Thursday. Results from the December agricultural survey show that dairy cow numbers fell by 1.6% from the record high seen in June 2016 of 317,100.

Poor milk prices for much of last year seen the total number of cows culled in NI factories increase by 14.7% in 2016. Previous agricultural surveys have shown that there were also fewer replacements coming forward and Thursday’s results indicate that total numbers of in-calf dairy heifers in December were also 3% lower than 2015.

Ewe numbers in NI remained almost unchanged at 912,700, but a weaker lamb trade seen the number of ewe lambs tupped fall by 11% in December. However, total sheep numbers (ewes and lambs) were up 3% to a 12-year high of 1,363,500, with overall lamb numbers were up 13% in December compared to year earlier levels.

Increased lamb numbers follows on from a 1% increase in ewe numbers and 2% increase in lamb numbers since June .Poor weather in the west of NI for much of last year delayed finishing of lambs before the end of 2016.

Sucklers

Suckler numbers in December 2016 were up 1% year-on-year to 263,500, however, this is lower than the 269,700 recorded in the agricultural survey in June 2016. In-calf heifers for the suckler herd were down 2% in December 2016 compared to 2015 levels to 45,900 head.

The breeding pig herd stood at 43,800 in December 2016, 1% higher than the previous year. Total pig numbers were 534,500 in December 2016, relatively unchanged from 2015 levels.

Crops

The area of winter cereal crops planted on 1 December 2016 was estimated at 15,800ha, representing a significant 11% decrease compared to the same point in 2015. The area sown in winter wheat and winter barley were both down by 14% to 7,300ha and 7,100ha respectively. Winter oats sowings returned to similar levels as December 2014 with 1,400ha planted.

The production of silage reached the lowest amount since 2012, representing a second consecutive drop to 8.7m tons. This is down to a 7% reduction in area cut to 287,000ha and a 1% reduction in average yields to an average of 30.2t/ha. This is down to the volatile growing season last year and wet weather leading to difficult harvesting conditions in many areas.

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