The Scottish Dairy herd analysis produced by the Scottish Dairy Cattle Association (SDCA) for 1st January 2016 compared to 1st January 2015 has revealed that the net number of dairy farms has decreased by 27 to 974 - the lowest in history after the 34 dairy farms that ceased to milk cows during the year were offset by 7 new ones being created.

While this result is not unexpected with the present disastrous farm-gate prices for milk, the surprising fact is that the total dairy cow population has increased by 2,552 to 175,835 and to a record average herd size of 180 milking cows.

The south west of Scotland recorded the greatest increase in cow numbers with Kirkcudbrightshire increasing by 2,790 cows with the same number of herds, and Wigtownshire increasing by 2,078 cows with one less herd.

Other counties which had increased numbers of cows were Angus, Ayrshire, Berwickshire, Lanarkshire, Roxburghshire and Stirlingshire. Counties showing a very slight decrease in cow numbers were Argyllshire, Dumfriesshire, Fife, Kintyre and Renfrewshire.

Commenting on the results, SDCA secretary Janette Mathie said: "The impact of the poor milk price has not yet had a full effect as many of the increased cow numbers are the result of long-term planning when prices were at a realistic level. Last autumn was good which meant cows were out at grass longer and there is plenty of silage in the pits. Dairy farmers have cut costs where they can, but they do face a tough financial future."

Market round-up

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd report that their first sale of prime and cast sheep of the new year in Newton Stewart got off to a good start yesterday when all classes were dearer, with the 1062 prime hoggs forward selling to a top of £91 per head and 189.5p per kg to average 169p.

There were also 217 cast sheep forward when ewes sold to £104 for Suffolks and £60.50 for two pens of Blackfaces.

C&D Auction Marts Ltd had 14 prime cattle forward in Dumfries yesterday when heifers sold to 221.5p per kg and averaged 202.5p, while bullocks peaked at 207.5p and levelled at 189.2p.

There were 74 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows averaged 97.2p and dairy cows levelled at 78.8p.

The firm also sold 722 prime hoggs to a top of £86 and 193p to average 165.2p (+4.2p on the week).

There were also 290 cast sheep forward when heavy ewes sold to £91.50 for a Suffolk and averaged £66.79 (+£4.45), while light ewes peaked at £60 for Blackfaces and levelled at £41.65 (-£4.63).