SCOTLAND – The number of cows being farmed in Scotland is hitting a record low, igniting fears about the future of Scotch beef.
Recent data reveals that the country’s cattle population has plummeted to just 1.59 million, a significant drop from the peak of 2.68 million in 1974.
The most substantial decrease is in the beef herd, with urgent calls from farmers for immediate action to protect an industry that once formed the backbone of Scottish rural life.
They attribute the crisis partly to the rising popularity of vegetarianism and veganism, coupled with increasing perceptions that beef consumption is unhealthy and environmentally harmful.
Additionally, a surge in tree planting has resulted in a loss of grazing land.
Despite the challenges, beef remains a vital component of Scottish agriculture, with approximately 10,000 farms producing 165,000 tonnes annually, valued at £850 million (US$1.08M).
This news comes on the heels of the announcement of The Big Beef Roadshow 2024, which is set to take place across Scotland throughout May and June.
The show is aiming to support beef farmers in improving practices and advancing beef systems.
The event will feature sessions on nutrition, feed efficiency, and key veterinary issues, including bull fertility, current markets, and updates on cattle electronic identification (EID).
The roadshow will bring together specialists, researchers, and veterinarians who will share the latest findings from the Feed into Beef project and discuss essential themes such as efficiency and cattle health.
Sarah Balfour, a beef specialist at SAC Consulting and chair of the Beef Roadshow, emphasizes the need for adaptation: “We are facing numerous challenges; our climate is changing, policy is changing, and our beef industry is changing. We need to adapt.”
The event is designed to address these issues comprehensively, offering delegates the chance to engage in interactive stations covering topics like feed efficiency, fertility, and data utilization to prepare for the challenges ahead.
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