The Scotsman

Dairy downturn continues as herd numbers fall by 17

- By BRIAN HENDERSON bhenderson@farming.co.uk

Scotland’s dairy herds continue to decline in numbers, with the first six months of 2020 seeing a net loss of 17 dairy herds across the country, according to figures released this week by the Scottish Dairycattl­e Associatio­n (SDCA).

With the total number of units producing milk now standing at 862, the total number of cows also took a downward turn, falling by 1,031 to give a total national dairy herd of 177,459 – making the average herd size now 206 cows, an increase of three.

The statistics showed that Wigtownshi­re and Ayrshire were the areas suffering the greatest herd losses, both losing five producers, while Lanarkshir­e lost four.

However, SDCA secretary, Janette Mathie said that there was still a degree of confidence among the sector, with new dairies starting up and previous herds resuming milking in Dumfriessh­ire, Stirlingsh­ire, Lanarkshir­e, and Wigtownshi­re.

“The last few months have been difficult for milk processors and producers alike, with demand for milk and dairy products cut overnight,” said Mathie, referring to the sharp change in marketing conditions brought about by the closure of restaurant­s and cafes due to the Covid pandemic. However, she pointed out that the move towards fewer dairy farms and larger herds had been a trend for some years – and indication­s were that this would continue:

“Large herds, especially, are utilising the tools available to them such as milk recording, to aid on-farm management decisions and improve the health of the Scottish dairy herd,” said Mathie.

● In its annual accounts which were published yesterday, the country’s largest producer-owned dairy co-operative, First Milk, claimed “a year of progress” which had seen overall growth in the sector, higher investment and improved returns for its members.

First Milk’s annual report and accounts for the year ending 31 March showed the co-operative continuing to strengthen its milk price, while delivering growth in turnover, operating profit and net assets, as well as a reduction in net debt, further reinforcin­g its financial stability.

“The year ending 31 March 2020 saw us deliver business growth and developmen­t, further strengthen­ing our financial position, whilst continuing to return value to our farmer members, who own the business,” said the group’s chief executive, Shelagh Hancock.

“We have also launched our First4milk Pledge – a broad commitment to sustainabl­e dairy and a celebratio­n of the leading standards on our members’ farms.”

This marketing initiative sees farmers commit to providing cows with access to pasture for a minimum of six hours per day for 120 days during the grazing season; guaranteei­ng that no healthy animal, including calves, will be euthanised on farm; sharing antibiotic use data and enhancing biodiversi­ty and soil health on the farm -–all to help promote a positive image of UK dairying.

She said that despite the uncertaint­ies around the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit, First Milk was well-placed for the future, as a business that had strong collaborat­ive partnershi­ps and the scale to be relevant in the marketplac­e, whilst remaining agile and adaptable.

 ??  ?? 0 The total number of cows dropped by 1,031
0 The total number of cows dropped by 1,031

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