Farmer And Rancher Confidence Survey Results Are In

Rabobank recently launched a survey to gauge farmer’s confidence, and found that, while farmers’ outlook on the economy generally mirrors that of the overall population, more than half of farmers surveyed are employing risk management strategies to help navigate this difficult economic climate.
 
“Our survey demonstrates that U.S. farmers and ranchers are tackling the current economic environment head on by making smart choices to help them weather the storm,” said John Ryan, president and CEO for Rabo AgriFinance.  “While many are hurting because of the economy, there is some optimism that the situation will improve next year.” 
 
“We are in the midst of difficult financial times, but this survey illustrates that farmers are taking steps to mitigate their risk, which will  ease concerns about the future,” said Ryan.
 
In addition to risk management tactics, the Rabobank Farm & Ranch Survey looks at business conditions, economy concerns and expansion plans among U.S. farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers.
 
Business Conditions
 While revenue is declining for many farmers, the cost of inputs is improving. Significantly fewer farmers indicate their costs are worse this year (67% vs. 94% in 2008), according to the report. In fact, 30% of farmers expect input costs to decrease.
 
Additionally, fewer farmers expect conditions to get more difficult when compared to the same period last year. In other words, less than 20% of farmers thought 2009 would be better than 2008, while 30% think 2010 will be better than 2009. 
 
Agricultural Economy And Financial Concerns
 In looking ahead, nearly half of those surveyed expect the agricultural economy to worsen in 2010, and most are currently concerned about the economy.  Nearly nine out of 10 farmers are concerned about their own economic situation, and nearly eight out of 10 say they would have been more optimistic if current economic conditions had been better, according to the survey.
 
However, three out of every four farmers said their outlook for the future would be more favorable if their own financial situation or the overall economy was better. Nearly 90% of farmers who actively manage risk feel that their responses would have been more favorable about the future compared with those who do not (72%).  This survey finding suggests that the current economic condition is driving the adoption of risk management solutions. 
 
Expansion Plans
While hiring of employees and land expansion are relatively stagnant among farmers surveyed, U.S. farmers’ intentions to purchase equipment are on par with 2008. The majority of farmers (77%) have kept the same workforce size, and nine in 10 do not plan to buy or sell land. 
 
Additionally, one in three farms expect to purchase farm equipment next year, but will look to used rather than new equipment (43%).

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Source: Rabobank Press Release

 

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