Scottish farm business income: annual estimates 2020-2021

Cereal farms have performed well over the last few years

Cereal, mixed and lowland cattle and sheep farms are considered to be 'mid-income'. Cereal and mixed farms have a higher average income but also greater fluctuations in performance over time. Mixed farms usually engage in complimentary activities like growing crops to feed their cattle.

Mid-income farms in general performed better this year than last year.

Cereal farms have performed well over the last three years. After a decrease in income in the previous year, average income has increased to around £68,400. This is the highest estimate over the last nine years, driven by increased crop output and decreased input costs.

Lowland cattle and sheep farms experienced an increase in income to £29,900. This rises above the average for the last nine years, following two years of below average income. Increased income was largely driven by increased livestock output.

The average income of mixed farms increased to £45,300 in 2020-21, its highest estimate over the last nine years. Increased cereal and livestock outputs contributed to increased income.