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 2,214 livestock farmers has revealed that over half (58%) have been set back between 2-4 weeks (see chart below).

Investment – an indicator of future optimism?

The vast majority (84%) of livestock 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 25% of farmers) followed by buildings for livestock (8%). The investments were made an average of 20 months ago (from the time of the interview).

Three-quarters of GB livestock farmers (75%) were NOT planning to make investments in the near future, which is a slightly higher proportion compared to the 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, livestock farmers planned to make their investment in six months’ time.

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 livestock farmers in Great Britain believe that there would be ‘no major change’ in the position of their farm over the next few years (72% in 2007 compared to 56% of all farmers - arable and livestock - in 2006). However, just under a fifth (19%) of the livestock 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 majority (79%) expected the farm to stay in their family.

Non-farming income is lower for livestock farmers

Just 7% of livestock farms were raising some income from non-farming activities, which is a lower proportion than arable farmers (16%). On average, the farmers raising income from non-farming activities estimated that it accounted for over a quarter (28%) of their income. A wide range of non-farming activities were cited, with the most common being food and leisure including B&B (16%), holiday lets (13%), residential letting (12%) and equine/livery (9%).