Prime cattle numbers show short-term resilience in Scotland despite overall herd decline Despite a decrease in Scotland's overall beef herd, cattle population data shows a significant increase in prime cattle numbers on Scottish farms compared to 202315 August 2024 15 August 2024 4 minute read 4 minute read By: By: Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) EuropeDespite a decrease in Scotland's overall beef herd over the past year, recent cattle population data from British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) indicates a significant increase in prime cattle numbers on Scottish farms compared to 2023. This is likely to have been even stronger after accounting for age at death and is likely to have contributed to the downwards pressure on prime cattle prices observed in the spring. “It's worth noting that the elevated outflow of store cattle to England continues to squeeze the prime cattle kill at Scottish abattoirs. “This reflects earlier declines in calf registrations in England and Wales compared to Scotland during the 2022 herd contraction. Consequently, it's crucial to support Scottish finishers to enhance competitiveness and maximise the number of Scotch-eligible cattle remaining in Scotland,” he said.