Scotland beef sector shows signs of supply stabilization

Scotland’s beef sector is showing signs of stabilization, with recent data indicating a slowdown in the decline of the national breeding herd and an increase in prime cattle numbers. According to Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), cattle populations aged 12 to 30 months rose by 1.8% year-on-year in July 2026. Specific growth was noted in the 24 to 30-month bracket, which increased by 3.4%, and the 18 to 24-month category, which rose by 2.2%.

Iain Macdonald, QMS market intelligence manager, noted that while the market remains finely balanced, the supply position is more stable than seen in several years. This stability is attributed to lower-than-expected slaughter levels and improved stock retention on farms. Additionally, a 1.1% rise in cattle aged 12 to 18 months is expected to support supplies through the autumn and winter.

Across Great Britain, cattle numbers aged 12 to 30 months returned to slight year-on-year growth in July following two years of decline. However, supplies in the primary slaughter-age category of 24 to 30 months remain tight, sitting 3% below previous year levels.