Scottish Dairy Sector Faces Continued Decline in Herd Numbers

The Scottish dairy sector is expressing significant concerns over the ongoing decline in herd numbers. Recent figures indicate a drastic reduction of 23% over the past ten years, a trend that industry leaders find troubling.

Decline in Dairy Herds:

The Scottish Dairy Cattle Association (SDCA) has reported a net decrease of 30 dairy herds in 2024, reducing the current number of milking herds to 764. This decrease comes amidst rising input costs and labor shortages that have been challenging for many farmers.

The number of dairy cows also fell by 257 last year, culminating in a total of 183,391 cows. Despite the decrease in numbers, the average herd size grew to 236 cows, up by nine from 2023.

Regional Impact:

The regions of Ayrshire and Dumfriesshire were significantly affected, witnessing a net loss of 15 and 5 herds, respectively. However, both areas anticipate new dairy herd startups by 2025, offering a glimmer of hope for the future.

Industry Response:

Bruce Mackie, chair of NFU Scotland’s Milk Committee, commented on the persistent decline, citing labor shortages and rising costs as key challenges. However, he highlighted the improved efficiency of current herds, noting the production of more milk per cow than any other UK nation. This efficiency helps address climate change issues by reducing the carbon footprint per liter of milk.

Future Outlook:

Despite these challenges, Mackie expressed optimism, pointing to Scotland's temperate maritime climate and the well-invested herds as factors allowing the country to remain a competitive milk producer globally. He emphasized the importance of continued investment in processing infrastructure to secure a bright future for the industry.