State farmers put under the microscope
July 15, 2009
Queensland’s broadacre and dairy farmers will be surveyed as of next week as part of Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) research.
The Australian Dairy Industry Survey (ADIS) is conducted by ABARE on an annual basis to assess farms on production and profitability, with a focus on demographics and socioeconomic circumstances.
Executive Director Phillip Glyde says the surveys play an important role within the industry.
"Survey results will assist in the development of strategies, and research and development programs to improve the efficiency and long-term viability of farms in the dairy and broadacre industries," he says.
"It is important that we get accurate information from farmers to assist in decisions affecting the future development of the industry. I strongly encourage farmers to participate."
Interviews will be conducted in person by identified ABARE field collectors, with all information remaining confidential.
Data will only be published or released at a regional level, and will not identify individuals or their businesses.
Queensland surveys will begin next week and continue through to the end of November.
Nearly 400 broadacre (crops, beef and sheep) farmers will be contacted, as well as 60 dairy farmers across Queensland and Northern New South Wales.
A random sample will be taken from various regions across the State to produce a representative result.
Additional surveys will be conducted across the rest of Australia over the same period.
The initiative is funded by Dairy Australia, Meat and Livestock Australia, Grains Research and Development Corporation and the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.