Scotland's cattle herd is at its lowest level in over a decade

New figures released by the Scottish Government reveal a 1.4% fall in cattle numbers over the past year, bringing the total down to 1.5 million, the lowest recorded since data collection began in 2012.

This marks a staggering decline of 200,000 cattle over a twelve-year period.

The downward trend is reflected across key categories, with female beef cattle numbers falling by 2.2% and male cattle down by 1.5%. The number of calves has also declined by 1.5% year-on-year.

The figures have prompted a sharp response from Tim Eagle, Scottish Conservative shadow rural affairs secretary, who slammed recent policy directions and repeated calls for targeted support.

“The continued decline in beef cattle numbers is hugely concerning and underlines the difficulty our farmers face in maintaining the numbers needed for their businesses to survive,” Mr Eagle said.

He warned the impact extended far beyond rural livelihoods. “The decline in Scotland is not just an issue for our rural communities but it also poses a threat to our nation’s food security.”

His comments come amid mounting anger in the farming community over the UK Climate Change Committee’s latest report, which suggested the Scottish Government could meet its 2045 net zero target by encouraging farmers to reduce livestock numbers and pivot toward woodland creation and renewable energy.

But Mr Eagle argues current policies are already undermining the sector, citing 'Labour’s family farm tax, rises to employer National Insurance contributions and a new fertiliser levy' as major burdens on the industry.

“The SNP’s lack of clarity on future agriculture policy and cuts to support are also harming the sector at its greatest time of need,” he added.

“Without farmers we do not have food, it is that simple, which is why these damaging and reckless policies must be reversed.”

He concluded: “Most of all, these figures show the need for targeted support, both directly and indirectly from Scotland’s governments, to safeguard the very future of our farming industry.”

The Scottish Government has yet to respond to the latest statistics and Mr Eagle’s criticisms.