The June Agricultural Census 2026 has revealed an increase in the national cattle population for the first time since 2021. In 2026, there were 1.67 million cattle, marking a 0.7% increase compared to the previous year. This figure remains 1.3% below the five-year average between 2021 and 2025.
Annual growth in male cattle, female beef cattle, and calves contributed to this rise, offsetting a decrease in the number of female dairy cattle. Similarly, the pig population also saw an increase for the first time since 2022, reaching 327,700. This represents a 4.9% rise from last year, though it is still 1.2% below the five-year average.
Other livestock figures indicate a slight decrease in sheep numbers, with 6.50 million sheep recorded, 0.5% less than the previous year and 2.2% below the five-year average. The poultry population also fell by 4.4% to 11.88 million.
In terms of crop cultivation, the area dedicated to winter crops, including wheat, winter barley, and winter oats, increased by 6.9% compared to the five-year average. Conversely, spring-planted crops such as spring barley and spring oats saw a 16% decrease, primarily driven by a 17% reduction in spring barley cultivation.
The total area for soft fruit cultivation was 1,800 hectares, which is 10% below the five-year average and the lowest level recorded since 2015. This decline is largely attributed to a reduction in strawberry production.
The agricultural census also reported that 66,100 people were employed on agricultural holdings across Scotland in 2026, a decrease of 700 compared to 2025. The 2026 census also gathered data on cattle housing, technology adoption, feed supplements, peatland management, and agricultural tenancy agreements.
