The spring 2021 calving season has now passed the third of a million mark with 359,657 registered calf births, an increase of 35,853 compared to the figures for the same period in 2020.

The latest figures from the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) show that there has been a 12.9% increase on last year’s figures – with 301,806 head of dairy calves born so far compared to 265,082 head for the same period in 2020.

Weekly Breakdown

Taking a closer look at the figures, we can see that 127,063 dairy calves were registered during the week-ending February 12, 2021 – a increase of 7,312 head on the corresponding week in 2020.

Looking at suckler calf registrations in more detail, during the week ending February 12, 2021, some 13,884 beef calves were registered – a decrease of 240 head on the same week in 2020.

The total number of suckler calves registered so far this year stands at 57,851 head. During the same period in 2020, some 58,722 beef calves were registered.

When combined, total calf registrations – for both suckler and dairy – are running ahead of last year’s levels.

During the week ending February 12, 2021, a tally amounting to 140,947 head of calves had been registered – an increase of 7,072 head when compared to the same period in 2020.

Calf registrations up to and including the week ending February 12, 2021: 

  • Beef births: 13,884 head (-240 head);
  • Dairy births: 127,063 head (+7,312 head);
  • Total births: 140,947 head (+7,072 head).