Scottish farm business income: annual estimates 2022-2023

Farm business level estimates of average incomes for 2022-2023. An Accredited Official Statistics publication for Scotland.


General cropping income highest in time-series

Average income for general cropping farms was £167,100 in 2022-23. This is the highest value in the time series and an increase of 83% from the previous year.

Figure 2: Average farm business income, general cropping and all farms, 2012-13 to 2022-23. 2022-23 prices.

A line graph showing the farm income of general cropping farms over time, compared to all farms.

Total output increased by 24%, which more than offset a 6% increase in input costs from 2021-22.

The value of agricultural output increased by 26% for the average farm. The rise in agricultural outputs was largely driven by an increase of 44% in both wheat (£28,200), and barley (£38,600) output and a 17%, or £29,500 increase in potato output.

Despite a 52%, or £16,700, rise in fertiliser costs, rising total input costs were moderated by a 30%, or £10,900, fall in seed input cost.

Table 2: Farm business income (FBI) and contributions to FBI, general cropping, 2021-22 and 2022-23. 2022-23 prices.

Measure

2021-22

2022-23

Percentage change

1  Total output (£)

431,400

533,300

24%

1a  Agricultural output (£)

405,200

510,900

26%

2  Support and grants (£)

42,500

42,000

-1%

3  Total input (£)

394,300

416,500

6%

3b  Agricultural input (£)

381,900

407,700

7%

4  Diversification income (£)

9,000

8,300

-8%

FBI (£) = 1 + 2 + 4 - 3

91,200

167,100

83%

General cropping farms have a high average income compared to other farm types. However, while some farms make large incomes, others will make a loss. Average income for general cropping farms is also considerably more volatile than for other farms. This reflects their greater exposure to wholesale market and weather fluctuations.

 

Contact

agric.stats@gov.scot

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