Introduction

CHLOE MCCULLOCH, HEAD OF SAC CONSULTING

Scotland’s farmers and crofters continue to show that livestock are at the heart of both our food system and our landscapes. In this edition of Perspectives, the articles highlight not only efficiency and productivity, but the environmental and cultural value that cattle and sheep bring to Scotland.

Food security remains a live issue. The contribution of Scottish livestock farming cannot be overstated, nor the importance of high-quality, traceable beef and lamb, (protected by PGI status), which forms part of a resilient supply chain from field to fork. But food security is about more than just output. It is about the way we farm –building systems that can adapt to a changing climate, shifting consumer expectations, and rising environmental pressures.

Grazing animals maintain species-rich pastures, support biodiversity and – increasingly relevant in an era where wildfire risk is becoming a reality – reducing fuel loads. On the west coast, grazing suckler cows literally shape and sustain fragile habitats, whilst calf sales provide important financial support to local economies. Those calves are then finished in highly efficient systems on farms like Girvan Mains in Ayrshire. This ‘best of both worlds’ demonstrates how traditional practices can be aligned with innovative systems to deliver biodiversity services and efficient food production.

Investment in nutrition, for all types of livestock system, is vital. Farmers often focus rightly on input costs – a £10 per tonne saving on feed will always attract attention, but Lorna Shaw reminds us to consider the value of nutrition in driving output - quicker finishing, more lambs born, reduced calving interval, improved health. Nutrition isn’t just a cost line; it’s a key driver of productivity.

Change isn’t only technical, it’s human too. The resilience of farmers and crofters, and their capacity to adapt is evident in the continued evolution of regenerative practices. Many of these are rooted in long-established methods that were paused in the post-war push for output, but are being reapplied in the present day, with added scientific innovation and knowledge. Not everyone will badge their system as ‘regenerative’ or even fully recognise the term, but many of the actions they adopt on farm are unquestionably nature positive.

Our primary sectors are also broader than livestock alone, and Gavin Prentice sets out the pressures and opportunities in seed potatoes – from export dynamics to precision agronomy. Whilst Julian Bell takes a wider perspective on how to remain profitable whilst considering farm carbon pathways, Alix Ritchie showcases the important work done by Farmstrong, and you also get to meet two of our consultants, Keira Sannachan and Lynne Carrick.

All in all, it’s a busy 10th edition of Perspectives… and one which we hope you will enjoy!

Get in touch chloe.mcculloch@sac.co.uk