Economy, Agriculture

Some 16 percent of the total area of Ireland is cultivated, and much of the rest is devoted to pasture. The agricultural enterprise producing the most income is animal husbandry. In 2001 livestock included 6.5 million cattle, 5.1 million sheep, 1.7 million hogs, and 69,564 horses. Poultry production is also important. The principal field crops are wheat, barley, oats, and potatoes. Among other important crops are hay, turnips, and sugar beets. The best farmlands are found in the east and southeast.