New Year dairy herd statistics for Scotland, 2022, show another reduction in herd numbers but an increase in total cow numbers.

The figures, from Scottish Dairy Cattle Association, show a net loss of 11 herds with an increase of 3023 cows, since January 2021.

Average herd size continues to rise and now stands at 216, up seven on the year, with the total milking cows at 179,361.

There are now 832 dairy herds in Scotland – down 195 over the last 10 years.

Kintyre and Lanarkshire showed a net decrease in herds with three each, but there is still confidence in the future with new herds, especially in Dumfriesshire, with more to start in 2022.

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Cows officially milk recorded make up 72% of the dairy cow population with an average herd size of 229 cows.

There is also an increase in herds somatic cell count monitoring and disease testing, with farmers, milk buyers, and industry partners all aware of the animal health and financial benefits of improving milk quality and reducing disease. Pregnancy diagnosis, through milk samples, is also increasing in popularity as it incurs no stress to the cows and is giving good results.

Janette Mathie, secretary of the SDCA said: “There is still commitment within Scottish dairy farmers to produce high quality milk and dairy products to breed superior dairy cattle, despite the pandemic which continues to prove challenging in terms of labour shortages and the rising cost of living, effecting fertiliser, fuel and energy prices.”