The number of suckler cows in Scotland is down 6% compared to the five-year average according to the latest Scottish Agricultural Census. The new figures show that the breeding female suckler herd now stands at 394,700 following many industry voices raising concern for declining numbers.

Profitability for breeders and finishers has pushed many in the cattle sector to question cows on their holding in recent years. The Scottish Beef Association has highlighted this issue as the biggest concern facing the beef sector. Meanwhile, NFU Scotland has been highlighting the lack of confidence in suckler cattle in their intentions survey published earlier in the year.

Livestock estimates show that cattle numbers stood at 1.68m, a decline of 3% compared to the five-year average, the fall is similar to changes happening south of the country. Over this period, dairy cattle breeding herds have increased by 3% to 178,800 cows.

The results also show a decline of 2% in sheep compared to the five year average of 6.61 million. Worryingly lambs per ewe were down 3% from 2020 and 2021 which was half the drop reported in England.

The number of pigs has increased by 5% compared to the five year average, continuing a general long term trend. Poultry numbers in 2023 were 11.69 million, there are more birds for producing eggs (5.98 million) than birds for meat production (4.67 million). No comparison with previous years is made due to methodological changes.

READ: Action needed to arrest suckler cow number decline

There was also a drop in the area of potato areas decreased by 6% compared to the five year average, at 26,600 hectares, and vegetables for human consumption areas increased by 7% cent to 21,500 hectares. Strawberries are again the most popular soft fruit grown in Scotland, but saw a decline of 11% compared to the five year average. Strawberries make up more than half the total soft fruit area, total soft fruit area fell by 7% in 2023 at 2,000 hectares.

Other estimates from the Agricultural Census show the total workforce on farm holdings remains steady at 66,800 compared to the five-year average.

The Agricultural Census was paused in 2022 to make improvements to data collection, processing, and statistical methodology used. More than 70 percent of responses to this year’s agricultural census were submitted online.