After the wettest summer on record, many farmers have reported that they have been set back by the weather. In fact, a recent poll with 626 arable farmers has revealed that almost half (49%) have been set back between 2-4 weeks (see chart below).

A higher proportion of farmers from the Eastern region (36%) had not been set back by the wet weather. However, over a third (35%) had been set back between 1-2 weeks.

Investment – an indicator of future optimism?

The vast majority (88%) of arable farmers in GB had made a major investment in the farm. The investments cited were wide ranging, with the most common one being a tractor (purchased by 27% of farmers). Other responses included a combine (8%), machinery implements (5%) and a sprayer (4%). The investments were made an average of 18 months ago (from the time of the interview). In the Eastern region 87% of farmers had made a major investment. Similar to the national findings, 27% of Eastern farmers had purchased a tractor, and other mentions again included; combines (11%), machinery implements (5%) and sprayers (5%). These investments were made, on average, 19 months from the time of interview.

Just over two-thirds of GB arable farmers (69%) were NOT planning to make investments in the near future, a similar finding to previous years’ results. The investments cited by those who were planning to make one, were again extremely wide ranging hence there was no particular common investment. On average, at the time of interview, arable farmers planned to make their investment in seven months’ time. Findings were similar to the national average, with 65% of Eastern farmers NOT planning to make an investment in the future. Those who were planning an investment estimated that it would be made in seven months’ time on average (from the time of interview).

Future position of farm is more certain than previously

A survey by the National Farm Research Unit (NFRU) reveals that, since last year, many more arable farmers in Great Britain believe that there would be ‘no major change’ in the position of their farm over the next few years (71% in 2007 compared to 56% of all farmers – arable and livestock – in 2006). However, just under a fifth (18%) of the arable farmers interviewed this year said that they were ‘unsure’ of the position of the farm over the next few years. Although, there is less uncertainty than last year when 26% of all farmers (arable and livestock) were unsure of their farm’s future. The vast majority (81%) expected the farm to stay in their family.

In the Eastern region the results were similar to the national findings, with 70% saying there would be ‘no major change’ and 18% stating that they were unsure of the future position of the farm. A further 8% said that they were planning to expand the farm. The vast majority (83%) expected their farm to stay in their family.

Non-farming income continues to support farming

Under a fifth (16%) of arable farms were raising some income from non-farming activities. On average, those farmers estimated that such activities accounted for a third (33%) of their income. A wide range of non-farming activities were cited, with the most common being equine/livery (14%) and residential letting (13%). In the Eastern region, a slightly larger proportion of farmers (21%) were raising income from non-farming activities, and it accounted for, on average, just under a third (32%) of their income. The most popular activities cited were equine/livery (12%), residential letting (11%), commercial letting (10%) and agricultural contracting (9%).