The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences has embarked on its annual farm survey program, collecting data from primary producers across the country.
The information collected each year is integral in supporting decision-making about the future of Australian agriculture.
ABARES executive director Jared Greenville said two surveys would be conducted — the Australian Agricultural and Grazing Industries Survey, and the Australian Dairy Industry Survey.
The first survey covers broadacre farms and has been running for 46 years; the current sample is about 1600 farms. The dairy survey started 45 years ago; the current sample is around 300 farms.
“The farm surveys are a core part of the evidence base that industries and governments across Australia use to provide a health check on the sector, develop policy and respond to challenges, such as drought and trade disruptions,” Dr Greenville said.
The interviews will cover questions about farm structure, land use and the production and economic profile of the farm business for the 2023-24 financial year. Selected estimates for 2024-25 will also be collected.
“The success of the survey, and hence its value to industry and government, depends on the cooperation of participants selected to represent their industry,” Dr Greenville said.
ABARES officers will be undertaking face-to-face interviews with about 1900 selected farmers throughout Australia from mid-July to December.
For more information, farmers can contact ABARES Survey Collection by telephone on 1800 026 308 or email: surveysabares@aff.gov.au