In the latest six-monthly set of statistics to July 1 published by the Scottish Dairy Cattle Association (SDCA) the number of dairy herds in Scotland has decreased by 19 to 982, but the total number of dairy cows has again increased by 1,204 to 174,487.
These figures break three records as 982 is the lowest number of dairy herds in Scotland since records began in 1903, but 174,487 is the highest number of milking and dry cows since the year 2000, and the average herd size of 178 is the highest on record.
Janette Mathie of SDCA said: "Planning a future in dairying is a long-term business - from erecting new buildings and rearing extra replacements it is at least a three-year process, and most of the expansion was planned three years or more ago when milk prices were good and farmers were being encouraged to invest in the future."
NFU Scotland policy manager John Armour said: "While the number of dairy farmers has been falling for some time, our milk output has been balanced by those who choose to remain and expand."
Expanding production at a time when Russia has banned dairy imports from the EU and the Chinese market remains lacklustre is the main reason that milk prices are depressed, and likely to remain so for some time. EU milk production for May was estimated to have increased by 5 per cent. That leaves the EU needing to increase exports by 40 per cent in order to shift the additional product from this extra milk.
Market round-up
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 1008 prime lambs in Newton Stewart yesterday to a top of £75 per head and 177.6p per kg to average 160.2p (+8.4p on the week).
There were also 115 cast sheep forward when ewes sold to £137 for a Suffolk and £53 for Blackfaces.
The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart had 11 prime cattle forward at their weekly sale in Dumfries yesterday when heifers sold to 245.5p per kg and averaged 198.9p, while bullocks peaked at 218.5p and levelled at 214.5p.
There were 64 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows averaged 129.4p and dairy cows levelled at 107.6p.
The firm also sold 812 prime lambs to a top of £84 and 200p to average 168.2p (+6p).
A large show of 627 cast sheep saw heavy ewes sell to £114.50 for a Texel and average £75.48 (-£7.93), while light ewes peaked at £76.50 for Blackfaces and levelled at £52.30 (-£7.16).
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