A recent poll of farmers conducted by the National Farm Research Unit (NFRU) has found that the majority of livestock farmers are using the Internet (55%). A higher percentage of dairy farmers used the Internet (59%) compared to sheep (52%) or beef farmers (54%).

Of those livestock farmers who are using the Internet, 85% now have broadband, compared with just 67% three years ago. The percentage of farmers with broadband was similar for beef (85%), dairy (86%) and sheep farmers (84%).

The survey showed that 45% of livestock farmers had gone on-line to get information about farm inputs, with more dairy farmers using this as a source of information (49%). Just 42% of sheep farmers used the Internet for information.

Two out of five livestock farmers (40%) reported that they have bought some farm inputs on-line, with no differences between the different types of livestock farmers.

Main outlets for sheep and beef

When asked about the main outlet for finished lambs and beef animals, the majority of both sheep and beef farmers said that they took their stock to the auction mart or to the livestock market (66% for finished lambs and 61% for beef animals). Three years ago 64% of lamb and 59% of beef farmers took their stock to the auction or livestock market.

Around 30% of finished lambs and 32% of beef animals were taken straight to the abattoir, with very few farmers choosing producer/marketing groups. Just 7% of beef farmers used private outlets for their livestock and 3% of sheep farmers. Three years ago 9% of beef farmers used a private outlet, with 7% of sheep farmers doing so.

Beef finishing systems

A survey by the National Farm Research Unit reveals that overall 41% of beef farmers across the UK described their beef finishing system as sold as stores, with a further 36% of farms finishing from store. A further 9% said their system was based on cereal beef and a further 10% on silage.

Very few farmers (1%) said that they were intending to change their finishing systems in the next 12 months.