Farm Business Survey

08/06/2026

Last week members of the Farm Business Survey team attended the Pacioli 30 conference in Austria, bringing together experts from across Europe involved in farm business data, benchmarking and agricultural sustainability.

We were pleased to present on our work modernising farmer recruitment for the Farm Business Survey in England, sharing how digital campaigns, targeted engagement and new processes have helped us connect with more farmers and improve participation.

The conference highlighted how farm-level data is being used across Europe to support agricultural policy, sustainability and business resilience.

To explore the European Farm Sustainability Data Network (FSDN) database, visit: https://agridata.ec.europa.eu/extensions/FarmEconomyFocus/FSDNDatabase.html

We also visited local farms and discussed the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture across Europe.

A big thank you to the organisers and everyone who shared their experiences and ideas.

29/05/2026

Celebrating 90 years of the Farm Business Survey at the Suffolk Show! 🌾

Thank you to everyone who visited the stand and helped make the event such a success.

Want to find out more about FBS90 and how you can get involved throughout the year?

👉 https://farmbusinesssurvey.co.uk/fbs90/

Day 2 at The Suffolk Show ☀️🌾

It’s been fantastic to celebrate 90 years of the Farm Business Survey with so many people across the two days, sharing the impact FBS continues to have in supporting British agriculture through benchmarking and industry insights.

If you’re not at Suffolk Show, there are still plenty of ways to get involved with the FBS90 celebrations throughout 2026, including events, fundraising and activities supporting The Farming Community Network (FCN). 💚

🔗 Find out more about FBS90: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0vJWJl0

15/05/2026

🌟Meet the Team🌟
We'd like to introduce another amazing member of the FBS team, this month it's Stephen!

I've been working for the Farm Business Service for 5.5 years and I'm based within the Central & Southeast team. My main role is visiting, collecting, analysing and processing data for all my farmers.

The best part of my job is getting the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with farmers while contributing to an evidence base that genuinely shapes agricultural policy. Every visit offers a unique insight into how different farms operate, and it’s rewarding to turn those real world experiences and data into something that helps support the wider farming industry. Plus, I get to work with a brilliant team of colleagues every day in the Central & Southeast hub.

Outside of work I enjoy:
- Spending quality time with family 👨‍👩‍👧
- Travelling ✈️
- Attending the theatre 🎭

08/05/2026

📢 FBS90 has launched!🌾🚜

Throughout 2026, we’ll be celebrating 90 years of the Farm Business Survey with events, fundraising, stories and industry activities, while supporting The Farming Community Network (FCN).

Follow along as we share updates and activities throughout the year.

🔗 More information: https://farmbusinesssurvey.co.uk/fbs90/

💚 Donate and support FCN: https://www.justgiving.com/team/fbs90

05/05/2026

How are farms in England managing their businesses today? Explore the latest Farm Business Survey insights.

Read the report: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/farm-business-management-practices

30/04/2026

📢The Field Book is here. See how your farm compares.

Key results from the 2024/25 Farm Business Survey are now available in our new report: The Field Book.

The Field Book brings together real data from farms across England, giving you a practical way to benchmark performance, compare across sectors, and understand how your business fits into the wider industry.

Whether you’re reviewing performance, planning ahead, or supporting discussions with advisers, this is a resource you can use throughout the year.

👉 Download a copy of the report:https://farmbusinesssurvey.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/The-Field-Book-Key-Results-24-25.pdf

📦 Want a printed copy? A limited number are available - request yours here: https://forms.office.com/e/9DdwfbV2bA

21/04/2026

The FBS Intelligence Report – Spring 2026 is now live 📊🚜

Produced by the Farm Business Survey team, this report draws on six months of insight from conversations with farmers across England, providing an on-the-ground view of the challenges and opportunities facing farm businesses today.

This year’s report highlights emerging pressures for the sector, particularly from rising input costs. A dedicated section on fertiliser and fuel (red diesel) has also been included, combining insight from Research Officers, the wider Promar team, and direct farmer feedback.

📄 Read the full report here:https://farmbusinesssurvey.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Spring-Intelligence-Report-2026-1.pdf

20/04/2026

🌼 Spring is officially here — and that means lambing season! 🐑✨

Across the country farmers are busy welcoming the newest additions to their flocks.

Fun fact: many of our Research Officers are farmers themselves, so this season is extra special for our team!

📸 We’d love to see your lambing photos! Share your snapshots in the comments and let’s celebrate the start of spring together.

19/03/2026

The latest Balance Sheet Analysis & Farming Performance in England (2024/25) has been published by Defra today, offering key insights into farm profitability and resilience.

Using Farm Business Survey data, it examines key financial measures including liabilities, net worth, gearing, liquidity, net interest as a proportion of Farm Business Income (FBI), and Return on Capital Employed (ROCE).

Read more: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/balance-sheet-analysis-and-farming-performance-england

12/03/2026

Defra has published its latest forecasts for Farm Business Income in England (2025/26), which suggest a mixed picture across farming sectors.

📉 Average farm incomes are expected to fall for most farm types except dairy and lowland grazing livestock
📈 Dairy incomes forecast to rise to around £224,000 (+45%)
📈 Lowland livestock incomes also expected to increase to £45,000 (+8%)
📉 Cereal farm incomes forecast to drop by two thirds to around £17,000

Lower cereal prices, variable yields and reductions to the delinked Basic Payment are key factors affecting incomes.

These official statistics are informed by Farm Business Survey data, helping provide insight into farm business performance across England.

Read the full release here - https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/farm-business-income/forecasts-of-farm-business-income-by-type-of-farm-england-202526