Nine new dairy herds started milking in Scotland last year and more are on the horizon, according to industry figures.
The latest data from the Scottish Dairy Cattle Association (SDCA) shows that the total number of dairy farms in Scotland rose by a net of eight to 1,001 in 2014. The number of dairy cows has also increased by 9,646 to 173,283. This is the highest number of cows being milked in Scotland since 1997, and, according to the SDCA, a figure which is set to rise this year as more new dairy farms come on stream.
Just 12 months ago the association reported that the number of dairy farmers had fallen below the 1,000 mark to 993 for the first time since records began in 1903 when Scotland had 5,735 dairy producers.
The latest figures reveal that the average Scottish dairy herd size was the highest on record and the highest in the UK at 173.
As of January 1 this year, there were 38 herds in Aberdeenshire, one in Banffshire, one in Inverness-shire, three in Kinross-shire, 20 in Orkney, one in Ross and Cromarty and four in Shetland. The 68 herds had a combined total of 9,740 dairy cows.
SDCA secretary Janette Mathie said: “With the present disastrous price paid for milk ex-farm, these increases in farms and cow numbers will surprise many but plans and investment were made two or more years ago when it was known quotas were coming to an end, returns were good and optimists were encouraging expansion due to export potential.
“Unfortunately everyone in the EU had the same idea which has led to a surplus of milk and dairy products with the Russian embargo on dairy imports not helping.”
The latest figures come as farmgate milk prices continue to fall.