Grid square estimates of agricultural census data for England Scotland and Wales supplied by EDINA. Request specific areas or national coverage.

Quick Stats is the National Agricultural Statistics Service's (NASS) online, self-service tool to access complete results from the 1997, 2002, 2007, and 2012 Censuses of Agriculture as well as the best source of NASS survey published estimates. The census collects data on all commodities produced on U.S. farms and ranches, as well as detailed information on expenses, income, and operator characteristics. The surveys that NASS conducts collect information on virtually every facet of U.S. agricultural production.

The Farm Business Survey (FBS) is conducted annually to collect business information from c.2,400 farms in England and Wales. The FBS provides information on the financial position and physical and economic performance of farm businesses, to inform policy decisions on matters affecting farm businesses and to enable analysis of impacts of policy options. It is intended to serve the needs of farmers, farming and land management interest groups, government (both national and European), government partners, and researchers. The primary objective of survey results is to contrast the performance or other business characteristics of different groupings of farm, such as between regions or other geographical or environmental designations, farm types, farm size, age or education of farmer etc.

Up to and including the 2001/02 survey, FBS estimates were based on matching of the sample between two adjacent years. Farm weights were still calculated to present a matched sample however. From the 2002/03 survey onwards, matching between adjacent years was dropped altogether, and weights are now calculated for the full sample.

The 2019/20, to 2021/22 survey samples are slightly smaller as COVID-19 impacted data collection. In 2022/23, a new survey contract stipulated a sample of 1,500 farm records for England.

The typology used to determine the FBS farm type classification was revised for 2009 onwards. The FBS typology is now based on standard outputs expressed in euros, with a minimum threshold of 25,000 euro (irrespective of the SLR) for FBS eligibility. Between 2009 and 2011, FBS farm type classification has been based on 2007 standard output (SO) coefficients. From 2012 to 2016, FBS farm type classification was based on 2010 SO coefficients, and from 2017 the FBS farm type classifications are based on 2013 SO coefficients. The change in typology has had an effect on the distribution of farms by farm type and income averages. Further information regarding the change in typology is available from the 'FBS Documents' section on the gov.uk Farm Business Survey – technical notes and guidance webpage.

The Farm Business Survey is available under Special Licence access conditions. See the' Access data' section for further details on how to apply for access to the data.

This edition of the FBS 2022-2023 does not include data from sections F3 and R.

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

The overall aim of the research was to assess the influence of changes in agricultural policy and regulation on those farms which, during the productivist era, their operators had successfully navigated to a position of dominance in the industry. Four specific objectives arose from this broad aim, which sought to examine large-scale commercial farming overall and to track development and succession on individual matched farms:
to investigate how farms, which were relatively large in 1977, subsequently developed during the period of agricultural policy adjustment in the 1980s/1990s;
to examine the dynamics of agricultural production systems in relation to the development of large-scale farm businesses between 1941 and the late 1990s;
to investigate the opinions and responses of these large-scale farmers to agricultural policy adjustment with the intention of establishing their level of engagement with post-productivity policy measures;
to contribute to the development of large-scale farm businesses in the light of the post-productivist transition model of farm business adjustment and agri-environmental change.
The data file for 1978 and 1981 for this study contains a subset of the variables from part of the dataset 'Labour and Machinery on Large Arable Farms, 1978-1980', held at the UK Data Archive under SN:1872.
Main Topics:

The dataset comprises a series of files relating to large-scale farms in the South East of England, which are defined by reference to their total area as either 182 hectares or more in 1941 and/or 300 hectares or more in 1978. One data file comprises a transcription of mainly quantitative elements of the National Farm Survey records of 1941-1943, and includes information relating to farm area, crop and livestock production, labour and machinery usage and an assessment of the physical and managerial condition of the farm. The data file for the 1978 and 1981 surveys cover a similar range of information relating to farm area, crop and livestock production, and labour and machinery usage, though the 1981 survey is more limited. The data file for the most recent survey, carried out between November 1998 and April 1999, also includes a similar range of agricultural variables together with information about farmer involvement with a range of non-agricultural activities and other contemporary issues affecting agriculture. These cover government conservation schemes, diversification, contracting, succession and use of information technology. The 1998-1999 survey includes both factual and attitudinal responses.

This dataset consists of ecology data from 16 paired field sites; each pair consisting of an organic and conventional farm. A multiscale sampling design was employed to assess the impact of (i) location-within-field (field margin vs. edge vs. centre), (ii) crop type (arable cereal vs. permanent pasture), (iii) farm management (organic vs. conventional) and (iv) landscape-scale management (landscapes that contained low or high fractions of organic land) on a wide range of taxa. Studied taxa include birds, insect pollinators (hoverflies, bumblebees and solitary bees), epigeal arthropods, aphids and their natural enemies, earthworms and plants. The study is part of the NERC Rural Economy and Land Use (RELU) programme. A move to organic farming can have significant effects on wildlife, soil and water quality, as well as changing the ways in which food is supplied, the economics of farm business and indeed the attitudes of farmers themselves. Two key questions were addressed in the SCALE project: what causes organic farms to be arranged in clusters at local, regional and national scales, rather than be spread more evenly throughout the landscape; and how do the ecological, hydrological, socio-economic and cultural impacts of organic farming vary due to neighbourhood effects at a variety of scales. The research was undertaken in 2006-2007 in two study sites: one in the English Midlands, and one in southern England. Both are sites in which organic farming has a 'strong' local presence, which we defined as 10 per cent or more organically managed land within a 10 km radius. Potential organic farms were identified through membership lists of organic farmers provided by two certification bodies (the Soil Association and the Organic Farmers and Growers). Most who were currently farming (i.e. their listing was not out of date) agreed to participate. Conventional farms were identified through telephone listings. Respondents' farms ranged in size from 40 to 3000 acres, with the majority farming between 100 and 1000 acres. Most were mixed crop-livestock farmers, with dairy most common in the southern site, and beef and/or sheep mixed with arable in the Midlands. In total, 48 farms were studied, of which 21 were organic farmers. No respondent had converted from organic to conventional production, whereas 17 had converted from conventional to organic farming. Twelve of the conventional farmers defined themselves as practicing low input agriculture. Farmer interview data from this study are available at the UK Data Archive under study number 6761. Soil data from agricultural land under differing crop and management regimes,are also available. Further documentation for this study may be found through the RELU Knowledge Portal and the project's ESRC funding award web page (see online resources).

Survey name: Herne Bay, Frogs Island Farm Post 1988 Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) site survey data – scanned original paper maps and survey reports for individual sites surveyed in detail between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food. Where Grade 3 is mapped this includes the subdivision of Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b. Surveys use the current grading methodology as described in "Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales," a link for which is provided with the data. Individual sites have been mapped at varying scales and level of detail from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000 (typically 1:10,000). Unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions are also available for some surveys. Attribution statement: © Natural England copyright. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right [year].

This statistic displays the annual value of machinery expenses in Northern Ireland from 2010 to 2022. The annual expenditure on farm machinery generally increased over the time in consideration from 131.6 million British pounds in 2010 to 158.8 million British pounds in 2021.

Provides information on how farm practices are affected by environmental issues and to assess the impact of agriculture on the environment. Source agency: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Designation: National Statistics Language: English Alternative title: Farm Practices

Farm Practices Survey October 2014

Survey methodology
The results provided here are based on responses from approximately 2 500 holdings. Holdings were targeted by farm type and size to ensure a representative sample.

To be included in the sample, holdings had to be considered commercial as detailed below:

Thresholds for the EU Farm Structure Survey
Characteristics Threshold
Utilised agricultural area Arable land, kitchen gardens, permanent grassland, permanent crops >5 ha
Permanent outdoor crops Fruit, berry, citrus and olive plantations, vineyards and nurseries >1 ha
Outdoor intensive production Hops >0.5 ha
Tobacco >0.5 ha
Cotton >0.5 ha
Fresh vegetables, melons and strawberries, which are outdoors or under low (not accessible) protective cover >0.5 ha
Crops under glass or other (accessible) protective cover Fresh vegetables, melons and strawberries >0.1 ha
Flowers and ornamental plants (excluding nurseries) >0.1 ha
Bovine animals All >10 Head
Pigs All >50 Head
Breeding sows >10 Head
Sheep All >20 Head
Goats All >20 Head
Poultry All >1,000 Head
Hardy nursery stock >1 ha
Mushrooms All mushroom holdings to be included >0

Farm size
The farm size bands used within these detailed results tables are shown below. Standard Labour Requirement (SLR) is defined as the theoretical numbers of workers required each year to run a holding, based on its cropping and livestock activities.

Farm size Definition
Small <3 SLR Medium >=3 and <5 SLR Large >= 5 SLR

For more details of survey methodology and analysis please refer to the Survey details section within the Statistical Release on the Farm Practices Survey landing page:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/farm-practices-survey

Farm Practices Survey February 2015 - greenhouse gas mitigation practices There are historical datasets not included.

Survey methodology
The latest results provided here are based on approximately 2 600 responses to the 2015 survey. Holdings were targeted by farm type and size to ensure a representative sample.

Thresholds were applied to ensure that very small holdings with little agricultural activity were not included in the survey. To be included in the sample, holdings had to have at least 50 cattle, 100 sheep, 100 pigs, 1,000 poultry or 20 hectares of arable crops or orchards. Therefore results are national estimates that reflect only on the 60 thousand holdings that exceed these thresholds.

For more details of survey methodology and analysis please refer to the Survey details section within the Statistical Release on the Farm Practices Survey webpage:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/farm-practices-survey

Farm size
The farm size bands used within these detailed results tables are shown below. Standard Labour Requirement (SLR) is defined as the theoretical numbers of workers required each year to run a holding, based on its cropping and livestock activities.

    Farm size  Definition     
    Small  <2 SLR     
    Medium >=2 and <3 SLR     
    Large  >= 3 SLR      

Farmed area
The farmed area here is defined as the total area on agricultural holdings on 1 June. This includes all arable and horticultural crops, temporary and permanent grassland, sole right rough grazing, woodland, land used for outdoor pigs and uncropped arable land. The farmed area used in the latest nutrient management section is taken from the 2014 June Survey of Agriculture and Horticuture.

Data revisions
In 2013 the 2012 results by farm size were reproduced for some sections - marked with a footnote. This was due to some holdings previously being classified into the incorrect size band. Although the number of responses used in each size band has changed the changes seen in the survey results have not been statistically significant unless indicated in each table. No revisions have occurred since.

If you require the datasets in a more accessible format, please contact farming-statistics@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Provisional Agricultural Land Classification Grade. Agricultural land classified into five grades. Grade one is best quality and grade five is poorest quality. A number of consistent criteria used for assessment which include climate (temperature, rainfall, aspect, exposure, frost risk), site (gradient, micro-relief, flood risk) and soil (depth, structure, texture, chemicals, stoniness) for England only. Digitised from the published 1:250,000 map which was in turn compiled from the 1 inch to the mile maps.

United Kingdom UK: Aquaculture Production data was reported at 194,492.200 Metric Ton in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 211,749.400 Metric Ton for 2015. United Kingdom UK: Aquaculture Production data is updated yearly, averaging 36,392.000 Metric Ton from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 214,707.400 Metric Ton in 2014 and a record low of 35.000 Metric Ton in 1963. United Kingdom UK: Aquaculture Production data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.World Bank.WDI: Agricultural Production and Consumption. Aquaculture is understood to mean the farming of aquatic organisms including fish, molluscs, crustaceans and aquatic plants. Aquaculture production specifically refers to output from aquaculture activities, which are designated for final harvest for consumption.; ; Food and Agriculture Organization.; Sum;

The results of a survey about UK dairy farmers' production practices and views of grass-based and indoor systems. The survey was disseminated between August 2018 and February 2019 online through social media (twitter and facebook), farming and local press and agricultural organisations and in the form of a paper survey posted to 909 Scottish farmers. Postal addresses for Scottish farmers were obtained from the Scottish government. There were 371 responses - 254 from Scotland, 76 from England, 26 from Northern Ireland and 15 from Wales. There were 237 responses to the postal survey in Scotland (additional Scottish surveys were filled in online) and 11 surveys were returned stating that the dairy farm was no longer in business, giving a response rate of 26%. The terms ‘grass-based’ system is used to refer to systems where the cows graze for part of the year. These systems may involve year-round grazing but usually involve a period of housing the cows in winter. An indoor system means that the cows are housed all year-round and do not graze.The aim of the survey was to explore farmers' current practices and their views on the economic, animal welfare and environmental aspects of different systems.

Survey name: Newbury Sandlewood Farm (Newbury LP Site 54) Post 1988 Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) site survey data – scanned original paper maps and survey reports for individual sites surveyed in detail between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food. Where Grade 3 is mapped this includes the subdivision of Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b. Surveys use the current grading methodology as described in "Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales," a link for which is provided with the data. Individual sites have been mapped at varying scales and level of detail from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000 (typically 1:10,000). Unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions are also available for some surveys. Attribution statement: © Natural England copyright. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right [year].

Survey name: Great Leighs, Essex Showground Post 1988 Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) site survey data – scanned original paper maps and survey reports for individual sites surveyed in detail between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food. Where Grade 3 is mapped this includes the subdivision of Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b. Surveys use the current grading methodology as described in "Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales," a link for which is provided with the data. Individual sites have been mapped at varying scales and level of detail from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000 (typically 1:10,000). Unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions are also available for some surveys. Attribution statement: © Natural England copyright. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right [year].

Survey name: Watnall, Opencast Coal Proposal, Crowhill Farm Post 1988 Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) site survey data – scanned original paper maps and survey reports for individual sites surveyed in detail between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food. Where Grade 3 is mapped this includes the subdivision of Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b. Surveys use the current grading methodology as described in "Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales," a link for which is provided with the data. Individual sites have been mapped at varying scales and level of detail from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000 (typically 1:10,000). Unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions are also available for some surveys. Attribution statement: © Natural England copyright. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right [year]. Attribution statement: Attribution statement: © Natural England copyright. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right [year].

The December survey of Agriculture provides information and evidence on the condition of the agricultural industry in England. Source agency: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Designation: National Statistics Language: English Alternative title: December Survey of Agriculture, England

If you require the data in a more accessible format, please contact farming-statistics@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Commercial holdings are defined as those that exceed at least one of the thresholds detailed below.
Thresholds for the EU Farm Structure Survey
Characteristics Threshold Utilised agricultural area Arable land, kitchen gardens, permanent grassland, permanent crops >5 ha Permanent outdoor crops Fruit, berry, citrus and olive plantations, vineyards and nurseries >1 ha Outdoor intensive production Hops >0.5 ha Tobacco >0.5 ha Cotton >0.5 ha Fresh vegetables, melons and strawberries, which are outdoors or under low (not accessible) protective cover >0.5 ha Crops under glass or other (accessible) protective cover Fresh vegetables, melons and strawberries >0.1 ha Flowers and ornamental plants (excluding nurseries) >0.1 ha Bovine animals All >10 Head Pigs All >50 Head Breeding sows >10 Head Sheep All >20 Head Goats All >20 Head Poultry All >1,000 Head Hardy nursery stock >1 ha Mushrooms All mushroom holdings to be included >0
Note: The UK have also re-included holdings with >5ha temporary let out land or temporarily empty pig or poultry sheds.
Further information
Further details on all of the data sources used in this workbook can be found on our survey notes and guidance webpage via the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/structure-of-the-agricultural-industry-survey-notes-and-guidance Revisions to the 2009 June Survey data
The 2009 June Survey figures were revised on 16 September 2010.
The 2009 figures were revised for two reasons. Firstly, the new methodology for 2010 employed thresholds to exclude holdings with very small amounts of activity, so revised 2009 figures were required to permit like-for-like comparisons. Secondly, the census prompted a register cleaning exercise that removed inactive holdings from the register.
Revisions to the 2009 December Survey data
The 2009 December Survey figures were revised on 1 March 2011.
The December 2009 figures were revised in line with June 2009 figures for the reasons stated above. From 2010 onwards the December figures only relate to commercial holdings as defined by the EU Farm Structure Survey thresholds.
Changes to the source of December sheep data
"A review of the sources of sheep data as at 1 December was conducted in autumn 2010 to investigate the feasibility of using the Sheep and Goat (SAG) Inventory as the source of sheep data for the February returns to Eurostat and Defra publications of December data. Previously, sheep figures were collected in the annual December Survey of Agriculture at the same time that the SAG Inventory was held in England. This switch of sources would yield internal efficiencies and savings, avoid duplication of effort in data collection and reduce the burden of paperwork on farmers caused by Defra surveys. It would also improve the accuracy of the results, as over 56,000 SAG forms were sent out in England in the 2009 exercise compared with the corresponding December Survey’s sample of 15,000 holdings. The review recommended the SAG Inventory should be the source of English data on sheep at December and therefore questions about sheep were removed from the 2010 December Survey form. Results cover all sheep holdings in England. Data on sheep numbers will continue to be collected through the June Survey (for commercial holdings only)."