Number of suckler calves registered this year surpasses 200,000

The number of suckler calves registered this year in Ireland has surpassed the 200,000 mark, according to the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) database. This significant milestone was reached as 29,573 calves were registered to beef dams during the past week, bringing the total figure up to 214,040 as of Friday, April 3. The registrations for the week are very similar to the figures from the same week last year, but total beef registrations are still up 13,865 on 2025 figures.

The surge in registrations highlights the resilience of the Irish beef industry, which has been navigating challenges such as market fluctuations and changing consumer preferences. The increase in calves registered to beef dams indicates a strong foundation for future production, ensuring the continuity of the sector.

While the weekly registrations for beef calves are comparable to last year, the total number of Irish calves registered in 2026 is still running more than 33,000 head above last year's figures. As of April 3, 1,344,496 calves have been registered this year, compared to the 1,310,508 registered in the same time period last year.

In contrast, registrations for dairy calves have seen a dip, with 72,239 calves registered to dairy dams during the week, down from last week's figure of 94,118. However, the total amount of dairy calves registered has now reached 1,130,456, which is 20,123 more than that registered by the same period in 2025. The decrease in weekly registrations can be attributed to the wrapping up of spring calving on dairy farms.

Despite the slipping registration figures, the National Genotyping Programme (NGP) labs remain busy. According to the ICBF, 62,467 calf samples were received in the lab last week, up from the 57,391 the week before. Meanwhile, 70,462 samples were processed in the lab, which is also significantly up on the week prior when only 38,499 calf samples were processed. The ICBF confirmed that the average time samples spent in the lab was still 3.7 days.

However, the average turnaround time from birth to the passport being issued has increased even further to 16.5 days. Despite this, the ICBF stated that it is now taking an average of 9.4 days to get the sample in the lab after the calf is born. The NGP plays a crucial role in improving genetics and productivity within the Irish dairy and beef sectors, and its continued operation is vital for the industry's growth and competitiveness.

The surpassing of the 200,000 mark for suckler calves registered this year is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Irish farmers and the industry as a whole. It underscores the sector's ability to adapt and thrive in the face of various challenges, ensuring a strong future for Ireland's beef and dairy industries.