The number of dairy farms in Scotland has fallen to its lowest level since 1903.

2016 a ‘horrible experience’ for many farmers

New figures released by the Scottish Dairy Cattle Association (SDCA) reveal that the number of dairy farms in Scotland has fallen to its lowest level since 1903.

The figures show that while the number of dairy cows also dropped - from 2529 to 173,306 - it is is still the second highest figure since 1997.

Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Janette Mathie, secretary of the SDCA, said that 2016 had been a horrible experience for many dairy farmers, with farm-gate prices below the cost of production for much of the year.

“Prices now show an improving trend which I hope will continue to rise in line with the world market for dairy products,” she said.

“The SDCA would strongly advocate that industry-funded bodies spend a far larger share of their funding on promoting dairy produce to the public, which in turn would benefit both the producer and milk processor.”

George Jamieson, NFU Scotland dairy policy manager, revealed that he was surprised that more farmers hadn’t left the industry, despite the pressures they are under.

“A lot of people are still on the edge, but I hope they will pull through. For the future, we need more trust and collaboration in the supply chain and contracts that are fit for purpose,” he said.

“We need a supply chain that can manage volume, price volatility and shares the risks and rewards."