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NFU Scotland Milk Committee Chair Bruce Mackie, who farms in Aberdeenshire, said: “We are not surprised by the Scottish figures as they continue the long-term trend of reducing herd numbers but growing herd sizes. Increased regulatory pressures, continued inflationary pressure on key inputs, a lack of labour and interest rates still driving up the cost of borrowing, remain the main reasons why many have decided to call it a day. Although milk prices are starting to increase, it is too late for some who have suffered from the gap that has grown between the top and bottom of the price league table where, for some, a continued low milk price has squeezed the potential of making any profit.

Analysing the figures, NFUS Dairy Policy Manager Tracey Roan, who runs the Scottish Dairy Hub said: “Dumfriesshire still takes the lead with the highest number of cows at 36,895, followed by Wigtownshire with 32,425.  However, Ayrshire still has the highest number of dairy herds at 188, with Dumfriesshire sitting at 143. 

“Whilst it is welcomed news that there are new herds entering the dairy sector, my concern is the number of farms that have ceased production.  Milk buyers, policy makers and retailers need to be aware of the figures as this continued trend of declining numbers of Scottish dairy herds will undoubtedly lead to the industry looking very different in years to come.”