ABARES Launches Nationwide Farm Survey to Track Australian Agricultural Performance

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) has commenced its annual survey of agricultural producers, with face-to-face interviews set to be conducted across the country through to December.

A team of 35 field collectors will interview approximately 1,900 farmers to gather information on farm performance and business operations. The survey will collect data on farm structure, land use, production, operating costs and other aspects of agricultural enterprises.

According to ABARES Assistant Secretary Andrea Willis, the information collected forms an important evidence base for both industry and government decision-making.

"The surveys are a core part of the evidence base that industries and governments across Australia use in making policy and in responding to challenges," Willis said.

She noted that the latest survey results will help inform responses to issues affecting the agricultural sector, including drought conditions and trade disruptions.

ABARES has encouraged the pre-selected producers to take part in the survey, highlighting the role their participation plays in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of national agricultural data.

"The continued success of the survey, and its value to industry and government, depends on the cooperation of those participants selected to represent their industry," Willis said.

She added that participating in the survey gives farmers the opportunity to represent both their industry and region, helping build a more comprehensive understanding of Australian agriculture.

ABARES has been conducting agricultural industry surveys for more than 70 years. Its two principal surveys have been operating since the 1970s. The Australian Agricultural and Grazing Industries Survey, which covers broadacre farms, has been conducted since 1977 and includes a sample of around 1,600 farms, making it the organisation's longest-running agricultural data series. The Australian Dairy Industry Survey began in 1978 and collects information from approximately 300 dairy farms annually.