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In-depth cattle population study could help to reduce emissions
"This analysis allows us to demonstrate to the Scottish Government how farmers and crofters can help deliver emission reductions." - Steven Thomson.

Research by SRUC provides insight into Scottish beef production.

New research analysing Scotland’s beef cattle population could provide insights which will help to reduce emissions and improve production.

The in-depth study was conducted by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) on behalf of the Scottish Government.

According to the study, production is unevenly distributed around the country, with only 15 per cent of suckler herds having 100 cows or more but collectively accounting for half of the national herd.

This is compared to 39 per cent of the businesses that have less than 20 cows, which accounted for only six per cent of the national herd.

SRUC assessed the technical performance of herds by looking at things like on-farm mortality, calving intervals, calf registration rates, heifer calving ages and finishing ages.

The results showed a wide variation in performance between farms and also between years.

Steven Thomson, senior agricultural economist at SRUC and lead author of the study, said this new analytical framework examining the entire population of Scottish cattle can provide much greater insights than data derived from relatively small sample sizes, or national datasets that do not account for the dynamic nature of the industry.

He said: “Herd performance on farms is increasingly under scrutiny and this analysis allows us to demonstrate to the Scottish Government how farmers and crofters can help deliver emission reductions while maintaining output levels across the sector.”

Andrew Moxey from Pareto Consulting, one of the report’s co-authors, said: “The report confirms the incredible diversity of beef production across Scotland, but also reveals possibilities for the types of changes needed to reduce emissions.

“Balancing emission reductions with other policy objectives, including food production and biodiversity enhancement, will be challenging but analysis such as this helps to inform debates about how it can be achieved.”

The full report can be found on the Scottish Government website.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.