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Results of the December 2009 Agricultural Survey

Thursday, 25 February 2010

The results of the December 2009 survey of farms in Northern Ireland were released today by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

This survey provides estimates of the numbers of cattle, sheep and pigs on farms at the beginning of December. In addition, it 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 2008 and December 2009 are:

  • Dairy herds: In December 2009 the estimate of 277,000 dairy cows indicates a 4% drop in the dairy herd numbers.
  • Beef breeding herds: The number of beef cows decreased by 2% to 252,000 compared with December 2008.
  • All cattle: In total, there was a 2% decrease in the total cattle on farms in December 2009 compared to December 2008.
  • Sheep: There was a 5% increase in the sheep breeding flock between December 2008 and December 2009.
  • Pigs: The estimate of 36,300 sows and gilts showed little change from the 36,500 in December 2008.
  • Hay and silage: Hay yields increased by 14% during 2009, and the overall production rose by 5%. The production of silage also increased (by 6%) from 2008.
  • Winter crops: The area of cereal crops in the ground at 1 December is estimated AT 19,600 hectares, a 58% increase compared with 2008.

Tables giving full details of the December Survey results are available on 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. Crown Copyright 2010 A National Statistics publication- 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 online here.
  3. All recent DARD statistical press releases can be found on the DARD website.
  4. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, telephone 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440, and your call will be returned.