Results from the December 2012 Scottish Agricultural Survey

1. Introduction

This publication contains results from the 2012 December Agricultural Survey covering winter sown crops, hay and silage production, livestock and machinery. It provides commentary and graphics on the latest annual changes and trends over the past ten years, together with comparisons with June Census results.

A comparison of livestock population profiles between June and December has also been included. These comparisons are used in the estimation of output of finished livestock in the government's calculation of total income from farming.

Unlike the June Census, which produces results for all agricultural holdings in Scotland, the results of the December Survey are a representative sample of main agricultural holdings only, involving about 14,800 holdings, and do not cover minor agricultural holdings at all. The implications of this are covered in the commentary of this publication. Minor agricultural holdings are generally those of less than one hectare in size. In the June 2012 census main holdings accounted for 93 per cent of agricultural land.

We welcome comments on the content or format of this publication at:
e-mail: Graeme.Kerr@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Tel: 0300 244 9709