Following the publication of the Scottish Agricultural Census: June 2026 results, Sarah Millar, Chief Executive of Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), said: “These figures offer cautious but genuine grounds for optimism. The first year-on-year increase in Scotland’s cattle numbers since 2015, even at a modest 0.1%, suggests the national herd is beginning to stabilise. A second consecutive increase in the calf crop coupled with continuing productivity gains reinforce that positive direction and, if market conditions remain supportive, creates the potential for further incremental growth in cattle numbers.
“That progress must be seen against the scale of the challenge. Scotland has 40,000 fewer cows than in 2021, following years in which input-price inflation and sustained pressure on profitability have weighed heavily on the sector. Through QMS’s Meating Our Potential campaign, we have highlighted the clear opportunity for Scotland’s red meat sector to grow sustainably, strengthen producer confidence and retain more economic value in our rural communities.
“In the sheep sector, a marginal rise in breeding ewe numbers for the second-year running is also encouraging. However, the reduction in lamb numbers, alongside productivity and lambing rates at their lowest since 2018, underlines the impact of the difficult winter and spring weather and the importance of continued focus on flock resilience and performance.
“The census results for the pig sector reaffirm our recent market reports around rising productivity supporting prime pig numbers on farm this year. While there was an increase in sow numbers reported, the surge in sow slaughter over the summer signals that we will see a large contraction in the herd over the coming year as the pig sector continues to face challenging market conditions at home and overseas.
“Overall, the census points to a livestock sector that is showing positive signs after a prolonged period of contraction. With the right conditions and continued collaboration across industry and government, these small but important gains can provide a platform for recovery, support the sector’s significant contribution to Scotland’s economy and help our farmers and crofters realise the growth opportunities ahead.”