According to a recent Scottish agricultural study published by the Scottish government, cattle stock in the country continues to plummet.

In December 2018, there were 1.66 million cattle in Scotland, which is 5 percent lower than the average for ten years. Over the past year, the number of cattle has declined in both the meat and dairy sectors. The number of calves also fell by 3 percent.

In response, the Scottish Meat Wholesalers Association (SAMW) says the government needs to invest “real money” to revitalize livestock.

SAMW President, Andy McGowan, said production declines in the sector over the past 10 years. And this is happening against the backdrop of a 15 percent increase in the number of pigs in the country.

Speaking at the association’s annual conference, McGowan said: “We urgently need the same help from the government and industry regarding the production of cattle and sheep.”

“I don’t think that we, as farmers and processors, should be ashamed to ask for big investments from the government in order to realize our undoubted potential. The investments made now will bring dividends in the coming years, ”summed up the President of the Scottish Meat Wholesalers Association.