Sir, – The results from NFU Scotland’s 2023 Intentions Survey don’t make for pretty reading, with everything pointing towards a continued decline in Scotland’s national beef herd.

The national average herd size, based on responses to the survey, is down by 4% to 143, with every region in the country, except Lothian and Borders, showing a drop in herd size. It’s encouraging to see 40% of respondents are planning to maintain the size of their herd, but deeply disappointing that almost 8% plan to get out of beef production altogether.

NFUS said the responses from the survey suggested there was little confidence to maintain or increase beef cattle numbers due to lack of profitability in the sector. It added that many were looking to tackle rising costs by increasing the amount of home-grown feed they use, as well as outwintering stock to save on housing costs.

These are both management practices well suited to native breeds, like the Aberdeen-Angus. The easier-fleshing nature of the Angus means they thrive on a more forage-based diet, can cope being outwintered or endure a dry summer with little forage, and it takes less feed to get them finished.

Ensuring more live calves on the ground is another way to ease the cost burden by giving you more cattle to sell – this is something the Aberdeen-Angus can offer through shorter gestation lengths and lighter birth weights. And let’s not forget the price premium paid for Aberdeen-Angus – a premium driven by market demand for meat from the breed.

A recent survey by the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society found British Aberdeen-Angus beef was the most prominent brand across premium supermarket meat ranges, with consumers recognising the breed as a mark of quality. I hope any suckler beef producers planning to reduce cattle numbers, will consider the benefits of a native breed, like Aberdeen-Angus, before making a final decision.

Don’t give up on cattle – find a breed that can thrive on less and produce an end-product the market wants. Aberdeen-Angus is the answer for producing beef that’s fit for the future.

Robert Gilchrist, Chief executive officer Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society, Pedigree House, Perth.