Despite the ongoing turmoil in the dairy industry, the total number of milking herds in Scotland remains static at 974.
Latest six monthly statistics to July 1, from the Scottish Dairy Cattle Association, do however show that the number of cows decreased by 1803 to 174,032, a figure which is still the second highest number since 1997.
Although total herd numbers are the same, some have ceased production due to the low milk price and retirements but an equal number have started up due to long-term planning and investment.
Most counties have remained almost unchanged but the most significant changes have been in Lanarkshire, losing four herds and 616 cows, and Ayrshire, which has seen the demise of two herds and 376 cows.
Other counties losing numbers of cows were Kirkcudbrightshire (369 cows); Kintyre (151) and Argyllshire (138). Counties with a small increase in cow numbers included Orkney, Roxburghshire and Stirlingshire. Overall, the average herd size decreased by one to 179.
Commenting on the six-month figures, Janette Mathie, secretary of the SDCA, said: “The latest six month figures are a surprise as most thought herd numbers and also cows would be much lower however we know of several herds that will be dispersed before the end of the year and that may make a difference by the end of December.”
Adding to this, NFU Scotland’s milk policy manager, George Jamieson, commented: “If there is to be a strong and a profitable dairy industry in an ever changing market and political landscape, then we must have new financial ‘instruments’ agreed with banks and government.  We also need a much more collaborative supply chain which tackles the challenges of global competition, volatility, and short termism from some processors and retailers/end users.
“We need a strong and competitive dairy sector in Scotland and we will continue to work with government, banks, processors, retailers and all other stakeholders to make this happen.”