Suckler cows

85% of suckler farms hold or increase herd size

More suckler farmers reported to have increased cow numbers over the past year than let numbers slide.

NEWS 30 September 2026

85% of suckler farms hold or increase herd size

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Farmer Writes: raising the breeding bar

Farmer Writes: raising the breeding bar

FARMER WRITES 30 September 2026

Dairy cow kill on par with 2025 numbers

Dairy cow kill on par with 2025 numbers

NEWS 26 September 2026

Teagasc boss expects suckler recovery to hold up into next year

Teagasc boss expects suckler recovery to hold up into next year

Teagasc boss expects suckler recovery to hold up into next year

NEWS 21 September 2026

Suckler cow numbers up by almost 19,000 head

Suckler cow numbers up by almost 19,000 head

Suckler cow numbers up by almost 19,000 head

NEWS 16 September 2026

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Editorial - suckler numbers see a rise in 2026

Editorial - suckler numbers see a rise in 2026

With proper supports, suckling can be a viable option on part-time beef farms.

VIEWPOINTS 12 August 2026

Sharp decline in suckler herd halted

Sharp decline in suckler herd halted

The national suckler herd fell by almost 300,000 head between 2016 and 2025, but there has been some recovery in 2026, with numbers increasing by 2.7%.

NEWS 12 August 2026

Radical farm sector overhaul proposed to meet climate targets

Radical farm sector overhaul proposed to meet climate targets

Proposals include a slashing of the suckler herd, major rewetting requirements and a ramping up of forestry cover.

CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT 12 August 2026

Cattle herd up 175,000 head on 1 July 2026

Cattle herd up 175,000 head on 1 July 2026

An increase in birth registrations combined with a stabilisation in suckler cow numbers and recent growth in the dairy herd is underpinning a recovery in herd figures.

NEWS 12 August 2026

Calf birth registrations running almost 40,000 head higher

Calf birth registrations running almost 40,000 head higher

The increase is underpinned by a 20,000 head increase in dairy birth registrations and a similar increase in birth registrations to beef cows.

NEWS 12 August 2026

Beef Welfare Scheme: three actions to qualify for up to €75/calf

Beef Welfare Scheme: three actions to qualify for up to €75/calf

Farmers can receive a payment of up to €75 per cow-calf pair up to a maximum of 45 calves born between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026

SCHEMES 12 August 2026

No respite for drought-stricken farmers

No respite for drought-stricken farmers

Farmers in the southeast of the country have been hit hardest but there are many other regions in the south and midlands contending with negligible growth

GRASS & FEEDING 12 August 2026

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Why Fergal Hanrahan invests in quality milk replacer for his beef calves

For farmer Fergal Hanrahan, successful calf rearing comes down to getting the basics right from day one.

Why Fergal Hanrahan invests in quality milk replacer for his beef calves

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