Scotland's Agricultural Census reveals livestock, land use and workforce trends
The latest 2023 figures for Scottish agriculture have been published by the Scottish Government, showing an increase in pigs and dairy cattle herds.
The report includes estimates from the Agricultural Census in June 2023. It gives an annual snapshot of trends in agricultural activity across Scotland, covering all main types of farming as well as the availability of labour.
Livestock results show that cattle numbers in Scotland stood at 1.68 million, an overall decline of 3% compared with the five-year average.
Dairy cattle breeding herds rose by 3% to 178,800 cows, while beef cattle breeding herds fell 6% compared with the five-year average to 394,700.
The number of pigs has increased by 5% compared with the five-year average, continuing a general long-term trend. The results also show a decline of 2% in sheep compared with the five-year average to 6.61 million.
Poultry numbers in 2023 were 11.69 million, there are more birds for producing eggs (5.98 million) than birds for meat production (4.67 million).
While potato areas decreased by 6% compared with the five-year average, more generally vegetables for human consumption areas increased by 7% to 21,500 hectares.
Other estimates from the Agricultural Census show the total workforce on farm holdings remains steady at 66,800.
The Agricultural Census was paused in 2022 to make improvements to data collection, processing and statistical methodology used. Following this change, the Scottish Government took steps to collect returns mostly online. More than 70 per cent of responses to this year’s agricultural census were submitted online.
The full statistical publication is available on the Scottish Government website.
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