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Scottish cattle and sheep numbers increase
Friday, 22 October 2021
There were 1.72 million cattle in Scotland on 1 June according to the latest government survey, up 0.5% on the same point a year ago. Within this, the breeding herd grew slightly to 588,000 head, as a modest increase in the dairy herd offset a slight reduction in suckler numbers.
Looking at other cattle, declines were seen mostly in those aged 2 years and over, a similar story to the English numbers. However, numbers of younger cattle increased across all other groupings, particularly dairy females. Males and beef females ages 1-2 and under 1 year showed more modest changes.
On 1 June 2021 the total number of sheep in Scotland stood at 6.8 million head. The number of breeding ewes increased slightly on the year to 3.16 million head. There was a notable (+39%) increase in the number of sheep over one not intended for breeding.
The number of lambs on farm increased 1% to 3.35 million. This trend is a contrast to what England and Ireland have each recorded. Lamb kill so far this year supports the notion of there being fewer lambs around rather than more.
Please note there is a difference in how data is collected for the different species. The cattle survey results are derived from BCMS/CTS data whereas the sheep population data comes from the June Agricultural Survey.
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