LFA Hill Cattle Study Extension 2005

2. INTRODUCTION

This study represents a continuation of the rolling programme of Enterprise Cost Studies undertaken by SEERAD. The objective of the study is to identify the gross margins for LFA hill cattle herds in Scotland in 2005 and provide an interpretation of the physical and economic factors contributing to the results.

The study covers the period 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2005. Participants of the 2004 study were asked whether they would like to continue to provide information on their hill cattle enterprise and the sample was created on that basis. This ensured continuity in the sample relative to 2004 and allows a better comparison of results between years than would otherwise have been the case.

A gross margin has been calculated for the individual hill cattle enterprises as detailed in the section on results. In addition, league tables showing the relative performance of each unit in the study ranked against the others of the same type have been completed. Within each league table the various factors contributing to gross margin performance have been analysed in order to identify the key indicators of performance.

Throughout the report, the methodology used has been in accordance with the Special Studies Methodology Manual produced by SEERAD.