Poor mouth mantra loses out to optimism

FARMERS are optimistic at present despite the effects of the fodder crisis, rising input costs and the likely impact of the CAP reforms.

Levels of optimism are fairly even across tillage (87%), dairy (83%) and livestock (80%), with the least optimism being found in other types of farming (57%).

The positive outlook about the future of the industry in general and in their own sectors contrasts with the pessimistic views often voiced by farmers in the past.