SAC Estimates Scottish Organic Beef, Lamb, And Grain Output For 2007-2008

This annual survey of organic producers in Scotland shows that, between July 2007 and June 2008, the country will produce 6,987 head of “finished organic cattle” (an increase of 19% compared to the previous year) and an estimated 100,000 prime organic lambs (an increase of over 10%). The number of store cattle is the same as in the previous year, but store lamb numbers have fallen by 11%, perhaps reflecting the loss of some hill farmers from the organic sector. This survey accounts for 94% of organic producers in Scotland.

The increase in organic cattle identified in this year’s survey was not unexpected; during the previous year, almost half of all respondents stated that they intended to increase their beef production “marginally,” while another 9 indicated that they intended to increase production “significantly.”

When asked about future production over the next year, 48% of cattle producers intend to remain at the same level and 43% intend to increase production. Therefore, the overall number of Scottish finished organic beef cattle is expected to increase over the next few years.

With respect to lamb, 99,951 head of organic prime lamb will be available for marketing in Scotland between July 2007 and June 2008, an increase of 10.5% over the previous year’s figure. Some 22,676 head of store lambs will be available for sale during this time, a drop of almost 11% compared with the previous year, perhaps reflecting a drop in the number of organic hill sheep farms.

Additional information regarding organic grain is also available in this report.