Poor mouth mantra loses out to optimism
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.
It would appear from those interviewed the traditional poor mouth attitude is being replaced with a more pragmatic analysis.
The finding that almost four-in-five farmers are optimistic about farming and their particular farm sector is also seen in what changes they anticipate in the future.
Most don’t foresee significant change in their holdings, but a sizeable number would like to expand.
Over a third (34%) would like to buy or rent land; 25% said this was most likely to happen. This would, of course, result in larger farms. Another finding shows farmers want to at least hold on to what land they have.
Only 2% would like to sell land and just 1% believed this was most likely to happen. Only 3% of those queried would exit farming.
Between 54% and 63% do not anticipate any change, a reflection, perhaps, on barriers to farm restructuring, with European Union payments allowing many to “sit” on farms. In view of those barriers, the finding that 15% of farmers are likely to buy land is surprising, especially as only 1% of holdings change hands each year.
Despite much talk in recent years about share farming and farm partnership, only 2% of those interviewed were in favour, and just 1% thought it likely to happen in their cases.
Regarding the future of their farm, seven-in-10 (71%) would hope to keep it in their immediate family. Only 1% would leave it to a non-family member, and only 1% would sell up.
