New research from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) has confirmed SCF concerns that the 410-day calving interval rule disproportionately affects smaller cattle producers.
Analysis of 2025 SSBSS claims found that 74% of cows in the smallest herds met the eligibility threshold, compared with 92% in the largest herds. The report also found that more than half of the 618 producers who stopped claiming in 2025 had previously claimed for 10 calves or fewer.
SCF says the findings provide strong evidence for the recently introduced small-herd derogation, which exempts producers claiming for fewer than 10 calves from the 410-day condition.
While this is a welcome step, SCF is warning that more action is needed to halt the decline in actively worked crofts and ensure future agricultural support works fairly for smaller producers.
Read our full statement here: SCF Press Release 09.09.26
