The dairy farming landscape in Aberdeenshire and across Scotland experienced a notable shift in 2024, with a significant decrease in dairy cow numbers.
This decline is part of a broader trend affecting the Scottish dairy industry.
The Scottish Dairy Cattle Association (SDCA) reports that on New Year’s Day 2025, there were 180,391 dairy cows spread across 764 herds.
This reflects a reduction from 180,648 cows – a drop of 257 – in 794 herds on January 1 of the previous year.
The broader trend regarding herd counts indicates a significantly steeper drop.
Over the last decade, these numbers have plunged by 23.7%.
However, the average size of herds continues to grow, currently averaging 236 cows, an increase of nine compared to the previous year.
In Aberdeenshire, total dairy cow counts fell to 3,225, down from 3,239 a year earlier.
Data for the former county of Morayshire indicates a decrease to 1,452 from 1,528 previously.
The figures were collated through local knowledge of milk recording organisations and advisers, artificial insemination data and by contacting farmers to get cow numbers.
Scottish Government agriculture census data shows the total number of dairy cows rose by 5.8% to 179,600 during the decade to 2024.
SDCA Secretary Janette Mathie commented:
“Some Scottish dairy farmers will be making difficult decisions about their future during 2025.
But there is still determination and dedication in producing high quality milk and dairy products, and breeding superior dairy cattle.”
Ms Mathie said herd numbers are in decline because of farmers retiring and diversification.
She added: “It is encouraging that some farms which have been sold have been taken over by new buyers.
“And there are new dairies due to start dairying in 2025.”
Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie commented: “We are driving forward a number of actions to improve the sustainability of farming.”
