Farming special - Day 3: 

The 2014 Irish Examiner ICMSA farming survey took place at seven venues during the summer, conducted by the Behaviour & Attitudes market research company.

At the Athenry Agricultural Show in Co Galway, 103 interviews were conducted. At Carbery Show in Skibbereen, Co Cork, the survey questions were put to 75 respondents.

The survey moved next to the Dungarvan Agricultural Show in Co Waterford, with 73 interviews, followed by the Tinahely Agricultural Show in Co Wicklow, where 61 participated. At the main agricultural show of the summer, in Tullamore, Co Offaly, 151 respondents were interviewed, followed by 84 at the Cappamore Agricultural Show in Co Limerick.

The final event chosen for surveying was the Irish Holstein Friesian Association National Open Day, in Carrigallen, Co Leitrim, where 35 took part. This was a new location this year for the survey.

The 582 respondents around the country included 455 men and 114 women. They were chosen at random at each event. Respondents were required to work or live on a farm (about 80% are farmers in their own right).

A higher incidence of farmers with larger acreage were interviewed this year (74% with 50 plus acres in 2014, versus 61% in 2013).

The average size was 108 acres in 2013, 118 acres in 2014.

The average number of livestock was 86 in 2013, 90 in 2014.

There is a higher incidence of dairy farmers in the survey this year. Milk production is the main activity for 32%, compared to 22% last year.

This year, 28% of farmers work off the farm, as do 26% of farmers’ spouses (versus 23% and 21% last year).

The age breakdown of survey respondents is 16% under 35, 17% aged 35-44, 15% aged 45-49, 14% aged 50-54, 23% aged 55-64, and 15% aged 65 plus.

Status is single for 22%, married for 72%, cohabiting for 3%, widowed for 3%, separated or divorced for 1%, 33% have children under 15.