Scottish farm business income: annual estimates 2020-2021

Average dairy income increases to £99,600

Dairy and general cropping farms typically have higher incomes. Their performance has varied a lot in recent years. Some farms make large incomes, but some will also be making a loss.

Among the highest income farm types, dairy farms had a good year on average while general cropping income dropped below the five year average.

These farms are sensitive to market prices and experience fluctuating performance.

Average milk prices and yields both increased in 2020-21, contributing to higher dairy incomes. Average dairy income was estimated at £99,600, its highest over the last nine years.

The average income for general cropping farms decreased by 15 per cent to £67,800 in 2020-21.

Total costs for general cropping farms decreased by one per cent but were not enough to offset a five per cent decrease in crop output. This was largely due to a decrease of 15 per cent in average potato output from around £199,100 in 2019-20 to £169,800 in 2020-21.