Agricultural survey results: December 2019

Introduction

Farms have been experiencing mixed fortunes. Evidence is pointing to the industry reacting to changeable weather conditions.

Heavy rainfall led to a decrease in the area used to grow winter-planted crops but the production of silage and haylage is now at a ten-year high.

Cattle and pig numbers continue their downward trend. Poultry numbers this year are up. The sheep flock recovered from poor weather in 2018.

The average rent for agricultural land remains stable in real terms. Rents tend to be highest in the east due to better quality land.

Commonly used terms

Hectares (ha): the official measurement of agricultural land. One hectare is 10,000m² or roughly the same size as a full-size rugby pitch.

Ten-year average: This publication compares current values to values over the past ten years. This provides a valuable comparison to previous years and helps set the latest figures in a wider context.

Graphs in this publication show selected categories