FIVE dairy herds were lost in Dumfriesshire last year.
And it was the second biggest loss in Scotland, behind Ayrshire with 15.
However, both regions saw new dairy herds start up with more expected to begin operations in 2025.
The figures were released by the Scottish Dairy Cattle Association (SDCA) and reveal a net decrease of 30 dairy herds in Scotland during 2024, bring the total number of milking herds to 764.
This represents a 23.7% decrease over the last decade. During the same period, the number of dairy cows decreased by 257, making the current total 183,391.
Despite these declines, the average herd size has increased to 236, up by nine from the previous year.
Commenting, Bruce Mackie, chair of NFU Scotland’s milk committee, said: “It is always disappointing to see a year-on-year decline in the number of Scottish dairy herds, a trend that has persisted over the past decade. The continued struggle with labour shortages, rising input costs, increase regulatory pressures, and market uncertainty all contribute to the challenges faced by our dairy farmers.
“Despite these challenges, Scottish dairy farmers are producing more milk from fewer, more efficient cows. This increase in efficiency is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our farmers.”
He added: “The ongoing reduction in the number of farms however highlights a concerning trend. Current policy, market conditions and lack of milk contract opportunities are clearly failing to support generational renewal, as many farmers retire with no successors.”
