December 2008 agricultural survey results published

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) have published the results of the December 2008 sample survey of farms in Northern Ireland.

This survey is required by EU legislation and is undertaken to provide estimates of the numbers of cattle, sheep and pigs on farms at the beginning of December. In addition, the survey provides information on levels of hay and silage production and sowings of winter cereals.

Since some of the estimates of livestock numbers and crop areas are derived from a sample survey, rather than a full census, they are subject to sampling error.

The main changes between December 2007 and December 2008 are:

• Dairy herds: In December 2008 the estimate of 287,611 dairy cows indicates no change in the dairy herd numbers.
• Beef breeding herds: The number of beef cows increased by 3% to 257,726 compared with December 2007, while the number of beef heifers-in-calf increased by 6%.
• All cattle: In total, there was a 1% increase in the total cattle on farms in December 2008 compared to December 2007.
• Sheep: There was a 3% decrease in the sheep breeding flock between December 2007 and December 2008.
• Pigs: The estimate of 36,539 sows and gilts was 5% more than in December 2007.
• Hay and silage: Hay yields increased by 4% during 2008, and the overall production rose by 17%. The production of silage showed little change from 2007.
• Winter crops: The area of cereal crops in the ground at 1 December is estimated to have been 12,400 hectares, a 41% decrease compared with 2007.

Tables giving full details of the December Survey results are available at the DARD website

Notes to Editors:

1. The survey results were prepared by the Policy and Economics Division of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3SB.
2. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, telephone 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
3. All recent DARD statistical press releases can be found at http://www.dardni.gov.uk/index/news/press-releases-statistical
4. National Statistics are produced to high professional standards set out in the National Statistics Code of Practice. They undergo regular quality assurance reviews to ensure that they meet customer needs. They are produced free from any political interference. You can also find National Statistics on the Internet – go to www.statistics.gov.uk.