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Calf registrations: Dairy calf registrations steady in Q2 despite worsening margins
Wednesday, 9 August 2023
In the second quarter of 2023 (Apr–Jun), calf registrations to dairy dams were recorded at 304,823 head, according to the latest BCMS data.
This is a reduction of 0.2% (646 head) compared withthe same period last year and is the lowest figure for Q2 in a decade.
Compared with the five-year average, registration numbers in the second quarter are down by 1.5% (4,558 head). This marginal decline predominantly reflects the continued trend towards block calving.
In the year to date (Jan–Jun), births to dairy dams totalled 707,981 head, almost on a par (an increase of 0.01%) with the same period in the previous year.
However, looking at the overall picture, farmers have maintained their herd sizes despite reductions in milk prices since the beginning of the year and higher input costs.
Although input cost inflation has softened to a certain extent, costs still remain at higher levels putting pressure on margins.
Going forward calf registrations could reduce on the back of weakening demand and steady to slightly higher supply in the global market.
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