Over 1 million hectares of land farmed in Northern Ireland
Date published:
New accredited official statistics published today by NISRA statisticians in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs present a detail analysis of the Agricultural Census in Northern Ireland for June 2025.
Key findings
In June 2025:
- There were 25,834 farms in Northern Ireland with approximately one million hectares (1,032,296 hectares) of land farmed.
- Almost four-fifths of farms (79 per cent) are very small (20,461 in 2025). Over three quarters of farms in Northern Ireland (77 per cent) have some cattle, 36 per cent have some sheep, 4 per cent have some poultry.
- The farm workforce increased by 1 per cent to 51,868 workers, of whom 79 per cent were farmers, directors, partners or spouses.
- Total cattle numbers have decreased by 2 per cent to 1,647,256. Dairy cows increased by 2 per cent to 330,673 while beef cows fell by 5 per cent to 213,744
- Sheep numbers fell by 8 per cent to 1,819,386, with breeding ewes down 7 per cent to 864,522.
- Total pig numbers increased by 8 per cent to 744,858.
- Poultry numbers rose by 9 per cent to approximately 25.8 million birds, with laying birds up 18 per cent.
- The total area of crops grown remained relatively stable at 46,578 hectares.
About the publication
This publication provides summary statistical information on the agricultural census in Northern Ireland, which is conducted in June of each year. Data is collected on crop areas, livestock numbers and number of farmers and workers on active farm businesses.
Further information
Read the full report: The Agricultural Census in NI
View data tables and background information: Agricultural Census in Northern Ireland 2025