Scotland-Decline in livestock numbers on farms.

UNITED KINGDOM.

LIVESTOCK DECLINE IN SCOTLAND.

The office of the National Farmers Union in Scotland (NFUS), has raised concerns about the decline in the numbers of sheep and cattle in the country..

The sheep flock has declined by 23% in the last 10 years, and the cattle herd by 11.7%.Pig numbers have dropped by 50% in the same period.

Jinm McLaren, the president of the NFUS, believes there is little chance of any immediate recovery owing to the economic climate, and said, "Clearly farming like all industries need to look hard at itself in times of difficulty, to ensure every avenue of opportunity is explored, however a key in stabilizing the industry and creating a platform for the future in making the best use of public money".

The president concedes that small farming and crofting in Scotland,would be a non starter without government assistance.