Younger farmers are plumping for dairy
A total of 57% of those interviewed were principally in livestock/cattle, 22% were in dairying, 12% in tillage, 1% in poultry, and 7% in other enterprises (1% each in agri-tourism and horticulture). However, when secondary enterprises were also taken into account, 76% had livestock/cattle, 27% dairy, 18% tillage, 4% poultry, 1% agri-tourism, 1% horticulture, and 15% “other enterprises”.
The highest percentage of farmers in livestock and cattle were in the higher age bracket — 61% among those 65 years and over. Younger farmers were mostly engaged in dairying, with the highest number (32%) recorded in the 35-44 age category.
Respondents in this opinion poll were required to work or live on a farm.
The 570 farmers interviewed were 80% male and 20% female. The age breakdown was 13% under 35, 15% 35-44, 12% 45-49, 18% 50-54, 22% 55-64, and 19% 65 plus.
They were 12% single, 73% married, 2% cohabiting, 3% widowed, and 1% separated/divorced.
Nearly three quarters had no under-15 child at home.
The respondents were located 39% in Munster, 34% in Leinster, and 22% in Connacht or Ulster.
They were interviewed by Behaviour & Attitudes staff at six agricultural shows — Athenry, Co Galway, on Sunday, July 7, accounted for 18% of the sample; Skibbereen, Co Cork, on Thursday, Jul 18 (18%); Dungarvan, Co Waterford, on Thursday, Jul 25 (12%); Tinahely, Co Wicklow, on Monday, Aug 5 (11%); Tullamore, Co Offaly, on Sunday, Aug 11 (28%); and Cappa-more, Co Limerick, on Saturday, Aug 17 (12%).
The average farm size of respondents was 108 acres. One third were in the 50-100 acres category, 18% had up to 50 acres, and 28% farmed over 100 acres. The average number of livestock was 86.
Respondents were asked to classify their occupation; 82% personally work as farmers, 11% are farm spouses and work on the farm; 1% are farm spouses not working on the farm; 2% live on the farm but don’t work there; and 5% are classed as farm worker or labourer.
Some 81% fell into the F50+ social grading which denotes farmers who own 50 or more acres, and 19% were in the F50- social grading as they own less than 50 acres.
