Nine out of ten of sheep farmers expect to survive
28 June 1999
Nine out of ten of sheep farmers expect to survive
By FWi staff
ALMOST all UK sheep farmers believe they will still be in business in 10 years time, despite the economic pressures currently facing the industry.
Only one in 10 producers think their farm will have been sold, rented out or be run by a management company 10 years from now, claims the results of a new study.
A national sheep survey, carried out this spring by Novartis Animal Health, reveals 89% of producers believe their family farm will survive well beyond the millenium.
Of those who believe their farm will still be run by a family member, 23% have increased their flock size during the last year, with an average increase of 13%.
Lynda Maris, professional services manager for Novartis Animal Health, said the results highlighted the high level of commitment within the UK sheep industry.
“The UKs sheep producers are currently experiencing exceptionally hard times, so it is extremely encouraging to see such commitment to the future,” she said.
“With the vast majority intending to remain in the industry, there is clearly a level of confidence that current problems can be overcome, and farms kept in the family.”
The study also found that 70% of sheep producers believe their business will still be focused primarily on sheep after that period.
Where sheep will no longer form the main focus of the business, 26% of respondents plan to focus on other existing enterprises.
However, whether focusing on sheep or not, 28% of respondents plan to diversify – 15% within agriculture and 13% into non-agricultural enterprises.
Ms Maris said the results of the study showed that diversification is clearly still seen by farmers as an effective way to tackle falling incomes.
“That more than half of these plan to diversify within agriculture also demonstrates confidence in the industry as a whole,” she added.
“It certainly appears that UK farmers are not yet ready to give in or give up, and this undoubtedly bodes well for the future strength of agriculture in this country.”
The survey questionnaire was answered by 608 UK sheep producers with more than 750 ewes.