NFU survey shows collapse in Daventry farmer confidence

The Farmer Confidence Survey for England and Wales shows that short and mid-term confidence across the county and beyond is at its lowest since records began in 2010.

Because of this lack of confidence, production intentions have also plummeted with all Daventry farming sectors expecting to decrease production over the next year.

The relentless wet weather has played a big part, with 82% of respondents, including those from Northamptonshire, saying their farm businesses have suffered fairly negative (52%) or very negative impacts (30%), with mixed farms, arable farms and dairy farms having taken the biggest hits.

The survey was undertaken in November and December 2023. Since then, Daventry farmers have been battling relentless heavy rain through January, February, March and much of April. Were the survey undertaken again today, the results would be even worse.

Farm business profitability has also fallen as 65% of respondents said their profits are declining or their business may not even survive.

The NFU is calling for the Government to recognise the extraordinary nature of what has been the wettest 18 months since 1836, warning that many farms may be unable to survive.