Written by FB reporters
Agriculture in Scotland recovered in 2019 from the difficulties experienced due to the poor weather in 2018 says the Scottish Government.
According to the results of Scotland’s June 2019 Agricultural Census, the area of cereals and potatoes both rose and there was an increase sheep numbers. However, the number of cattle and the area of soft fruits in both fell.
“Better winter planting conditions helped the area of cereals grown to recover over the past year and the data showed total area of cereals increased by 10,600 hectares to 437,000 hectares,” it is stated in new release of data by the Scottish Government’s Chief Statistician.
“Barley, which is Scotland’s biggest crop, rose by 1% and it was a similar picture for wheat which increased by 8%. The increase in area was due to a recovery in the area of winter planted crops.
“The total sheep count rose by 1%, or 82,700, with lamb numbers rising by 4%. The number of breeding ewes remained fairly steady, rising by less than 1%.
“The total number of cattle continued to decline and is now at the lowest point since the 1950’s. The data shows the total number of cattle dropped by 2% or 27,600. Despite the drop, the number of dairy cattle remained fairly constant over the past year.
“The area of vegetables intended for human consumption fell over the past year. The data shows the area dropped by 2% over the past year. The area used to grow vegetable for stock-feed remained stable.”
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