Calf registrations in Northern Ireland rose for the first time in three years during 2025 with a “modest” increase of 5,072 head from 2024.
These figures were reported by the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC), which estimated that a total of 527,244 calves were registered in Northern Ireland last year.
According to the LMC, data provided by the Northern Ireland Food Animal Information System (NIFAIS) showed that beef-sired calves accounted for nearly 75% of all calf registrations in 2025, totalling to 383,318 calves.
Compared to 2024, the number of beef-sired calves increased by 12,475 head last year, while dairy-sired calf registrations decreased by 7,341 head.
However, LMC agricultural market analyst Sam Coalter pointed out that dairy-bred beef calves have continued to rise in recent years.
He said: “In 2025, suckler calves accounted for half of all beef calf registrations, decreasing from two-thirds in 2021.”
LMC also highlighted that the gap between suckler and dairy-bred beef calf registrations “has narrowed considerably over the last five years”.
In 2021, over 90,000 more suckler calves were registered than dairy-bred beef calves, however, by 2025 this difference had reduced to over 11,000 head.
LMC stated that suckler calf registrations dropped below 200,000 head in 2025, having decreased by 1.7% from 2024.
However, the commission also noted that the rate of decline in calf registrations has slowed compared to previous years, with 2022/2023 seeing a 7.6% decrease and 2023/2024 following suit with a 6.3% decline.
Breeds
Within the suckler herd, Limousin and Charolais accounted for the majority of registrations, with these two continental breeds representing nearly two-thirds of suckler calf registrations last year.
Among dairy herds using beef sires, Aberdeen Angus made up half of the progeny registrations.
Belgian Blue represented 17.9% of registrations within dairy herds using beef sires, while Hereford totalled 9.6% of registrations.
Registrations of Limousin-sired calves within dairy herds have reportedly declined in recent years, which is “consistent with an increased use of native breeds”, according to LMC.
The commission also noted this trend “aligns with abattoir bonus structures and the practical advantages associated with calving ease.”
Coalter highlighted that Aberdeen Angus-sired calves made up 31.5% of all beef calf registrations in Northern Ireland during 2025, “maintaining their position as the most recorded beef breed.”
“Furthermore, almost one quarter of beef calves registered during the year were dairy-bred Aberdeen Angus,” he added.
Sexed semen
LMC also credited the continued uptake of sexed semen within the dairy sector for influencing calf registration patterns.
In 2025, dairy bull calves accounted for one-fifth of dairy-sired registrations, compared with one-third in 2021.
LMC claimed that the reduction in dairy bull calf numbers has been accompanied by a higher proportion of beef-sired calves from dairy herds.
Speaking on this year’s progress, Coalter commented that that dairy-bred calves are likely to continue to make up a growing share of beef calf registrations in 2026.
He said: “The use of sexed semen in dairy herds supports this trend.
“Although, assuming the dairy breeding populations remain stable, the number of beef calves produced by the dairy herd is likely to reach a ceiling due to the need to maintain dairy replacement stock.
“Meanwhile, higher beef prices may encourage some suckler farmers to retain more heifers for breeding, which could lead to an increase in future suckler calf registrations.”
