Survey of Rural Decision Makers 2017

The third biennial Survey of Rural Decision Makers was run in September 2017. The survey addressed the same topics as the previous two surveys (2015 and 2013) but we have continued to refine the questions to make them more relevant to farmers.

The 2017 survey enabled us to:

Build on the data collected in 2013 and 2015 to establish a nationally representative repeated cross section
Provide information that complements rather than repeats other surveys
Incorporate emerging topics of interest
Enable the delivery of a wide range of analyses and statistical information to support national, regional and sector policy development and evaluation
Support research and insight into farmer decision making.

Summary results for 2017 are provided below as we hope you will find them interesting. All participating farmers are invited to view the results – it is rare to be offered these insights despite the high number of surveys they are asked to complete. This is another way of saying thank you to our participants.

About the survey

Participation

The survey was delivered on-line and farmers across the country in all types of farming were invited to participate via e-mail. Over 4,000 completed the survey in 2017. To say thank you to those who give up their valuable time to participate we offer a charity donation to a selection of relevant charities and offer a prize draw of a $500 Prezzy Card.

Donations

To acknowledge the time and expertise shared with us, we made a charitable donation for each response. We are pleased to announce the rural sector’s support of the following charitable causes:

Westpac Chopper Appeal ($10,890)
St John ($9,370)
SPCA ($3,700)
Starship Foundation ($3,260)
Yellow-Eyed Penguin Trust ($1,350)
Rural Support Trust ($880)
Kaharoa Kokako Trust ($550)

Prize winners

And the six lucky Prezzy card winners were

Darcy and Inna B, Canterbury
Graham P, Waikato
Brett J, Auckland
Beth P, Northland
Bill and Linda J, Southland
Brian D, Taranaki

Survey results

The results are posted as pie and bar charts, histograms, and box-and-whisker plots. We have put together some brief guidelines on how to interpret these results.

Demographics

Figure 2.1 Years of experience working on farms Image — Figure 2.1 Years of experience working on farms

Figure 2.2 Generations farming in Aotearoa New Zealand Image — Figure 2.2 Generations farming in Aotearoa New Zealand

Education

Figure 3.2 Formal training in agriculture or business Image — Figure 3.2 Formal training in agriculture or business

Ownership and structure

Figure 4a Primary role on farm by primary industry Image — Figure 4a Primary role on farm by primary industry

Figure 4b Primary role on farm by region Image — Figure 4b Primary role on farm by region

Current land use and land use change

Figure 5.1.1 a Current primary land use Image — Figure 5.1.1 a Current primary land use

Figure 5.1.1 b Current primary land use by region Image — Figure 5.1.1 b Current primary land use by region

Figure 5.1.2 Commercial and lifestyle farmer respondents Image — Figure 5.1.2 Commercial and lifestyle farmer respondents

Figure 5.2 Current land use is new within the last 10 years Image — Figure 5.2 Current land use is new within the last 10 years

Figure 5.3 Additional land allocated to existing land uses within the last 10 years Image — Figure 5.3 Additional land allocated to existing land uses within the last 10 years

Figure 5.4 Existing land uses have been intensified within the last 10 years Image — Figure 5.4 Existing land uses have been intensified within the last 10 years

Forestry practice

Figure 6.1 Forest registered with ETS by region Image — Figure 6.1 Forest registered with ETS by region

Figure 6.2 Forest composition by region Image — Figure 6.2 Forest composition by region

Figure 6.3 Intended time to replant by region Image — Figure 6.3 Intended time to replant by region

Figure 6.4 Intended share of forest to harvest within 2 years Image — Figure 6.4 Intended share of forest to harvest within 2 years

Figure 6.5 Intention to replant after harvest within 2 years Image — Figure 6.5 Intention to replant after harvest within 2 years

Farm plans and land management

Figure 7.1.1a Have a formal written farm plan by primary industry Image — Figure 7.1.1a Have a formal written farm plan by primary industry

Figure 7.1.1b Have a formal written farm plan by region Image — Figure 7.1.1b Have a formal written farm plan by region

Figure 7.1.2 Type of formal written farm plan Image — Figure 7.1.2 Type of formal written farm plan

Figure 7.1.3 Management practices implemented on the farm Image — Figure 7.1.3 Management practices implemented on the farm

Figure 7.2.1 Extent to which sediment traps are maintained Image — Figure 7.2.1 Extent to which sediment traps are maintained

Figure 7.2.2 Extent to which contoured paddocks bunds and/or raised headlands are maintained Image — Figure 7.2.2 Extent to which contoured paddocks bunds and/or raised headlands are maintained

Figure 7.2.3 Extent to which conservation tillage is implemented Image — Figure 7.2.3 Extent to which conservation tillage is implemented

Figure 7.2.4 Extent to which trees have been planted on slopes Image — Figure 7.2.4 Extent to which trees have been planted on slopes

Figure 7.2.5 Extent to which riparian areas have been planted Image — Figure 7.2.5 Extent to which riparian areas have been planted

Figure 7.2.6 Extent to which grazing land is retired Image — Figure 7.2.6 Extent to which grazing land is retired

Figure 7.2.7 Extent to which deer fence line pacing is prevented Image — Figure 7.2.7 Extent to which deer fence line pacing is prevented

Figure 7.2.8 Realised effects vs. expectations of planting trees on slopes Image — Figure 7.2.8 Realised effects vs. expectations of planting trees on slopes

Figure 7.3.1 Practices used to restrict stock from waterways Image — Figure 7.3.1 Practices used to restrict stock from waterways

Figure 7.3.2a Percent of large streams fenced by primary industry Image — Figure 7.3.2a Percent of large streams fenced by primary industry

Figure 7.3.2b Percent of large streams fenced by region Image — Figure 7.3.2b Percent of large streams fenced by region

Figure 7.3.3a Percent of small streams fenced by primary industry Image — Figure 7.3.3a Percent of small streams fenced by primary industry

Figure 7.3.3b Percent of small streams fenced by region Image — Figure 7.3.3b Percent of small streams fenced by region

Figure 7.3.4 Realised effects vs. expectations of restricting stock from major waterways Image — Figure 7.3.4 Realised effects vs. expectations of restricting stock from major waterways

Figure 7.4.1 Practices used to reduce pugging Image — Figure 7.4.1 Practices used to reduce pugging

Figure 7.4.2 Realised effects vs. expectations of formal feed pads/stand off pad/winter barn Image — Figure 7.4.2 Realised effects vs. expectations of formal feed pads/stand off pad/winter barn

Figure 7.4.3 Realised effects vs. expectations of grazing wetter paddocks earlier in the season Image — Figure 7.4.3 Realised effects vs. expectations of grazing wetter paddocks earlier in the season

Figure 7.4.4 Realised effects vs. expectations of restricting stock to areas to be cultivated in spring Image — Figure 7.4.4 Realised effects vs. expectations of restricting stock to areas to be cultivated in spring

Figure 7.5.1 Practices used to manage fertiliser application Image — Figure 7.5.1 Practices used to manage fertiliser application

Figure 7.5.2 Realised effects vs. expectations of applying fertiliser based on soil tests Image — Figure 7.5.2 Realised effects vs. expectations of applying fertiliser based on soil tests

Figure 7.5.3 Realised effects vs. expectations of spliting fertiliser application to match plant needs Image — Figure 7.5.3 Realised effects vs. expectations of spliting fertiliser application to match plant needs

Figure 7.5.4 Realised effects vs. expectations of timing application of N fertiliser to avoid periods of high rainfall/low plant growth Image — Figure 7.5.4 Realised effects vs. expectations of timing application of N fertiliser to avoid periods of high rainfall/low plant growth

Figure 7.5.5 Realised effects vs. expectations of using calibrated machinery to spread fertiliser Image — Figure 7.5.5 Realised effects vs. expectations of using calibrated machinery to spread fertiliser

Figure 7.6.1a Practices to manage effluent for those in dairy Image — Figure 7.6.1a Practices to manage effluent for those in dairy

Figure 7.6.1b Practices to manage effluent for those in dairy by region Image — Figure 7.6.1b Practices to manage effluent for those in dairy by region

Figure 7.6.2 Realised effects vs. expectations of managing effluent for those in dairy Image — Figure 7.6.2 Realised effects vs. expectations of managing effluent for those in dairy

Figure 7.7.1 Commercial farms with wetlands Image — Figure 7.7.1 Commercial farms with wetlands

Figure 7.7.2 Building new wetlands Image — Figure 7.7.2 Building new wetlands

Figure 7.7.3 Restoring existing wetlands Image — Figure 7.7.3 Restoring existing wetlands

Figure 7.7.4 Maintaining existing wetlands Image — Figure 7.7.4 Maintaining existing wetlands

Irrigation

Figure 8.2 Type of water irrigation on farm Image — Figure 8.2 Type of water irrigation on farm

Figure 8.3 Methods for whenhow much to irrigate Image — Figure 8.3 Methods for whenhow much to irrigate

Figure 8.4 Frequency of water irrigator calibration Image — Figure 8.4 Frequency of water irrigator calibration

Figure 8.5 Method of water irrigator calibration Image — Figure 8.5 Method of water irrigator calibration

Figure 8.6 Realised effects vs. expectations of a water irrigation system Image — Figure 8.6 Realised effects vs. expectations of a water irrigation system

Novel technologies

Figure 9.1a Commercial farms with on farm electricity generation/robotics or automation/precision ag precision forestry by primary industry Image — Figure 9.1a Commercial farms with on farm electricity generation/robotics or automation/precision ag precision forestry by primary industry

Figure 9.1b Commercial farms with on farm electricity generation/robotics or automation/precision ag or precision forestry by region Image — Figure 9.1b Commercial farms with on farm electricity generation/robotics or automation/precision ag or precision forestry by region

Figure 9.2.1a Electricity generation on farm by primary industry Image — Figure 9.2.1a Electricity generation on farm by primary industry

Figure 9.2.1b Electricity generation on farm by region Image — Figure 9.2.1b Electricity generation on farm by region

Figure 9.2.2 Realised effects vs. expectations of on-farm hydro solar and/or windmill power Image — Figure 9.2.2 Realised effects vs. expectations of on-farm hydro solar and/or windmill power

Figure 9.3.1a Automationrobotics on farm by primary industry Image — Figure 9.3.1a Automationrobotics on farm by primary industry

Figure 9.3.1b Automationrobotics on farm by region Image — Figure 9.3.1b Automationrobotics on farm by region

Figure 9.3.2 Realised effects vs. expectations of on farm automation and/or robotics Image — Figure 9.3.2 Realised effects vs. expectations of on farm automation and/or robotics

Figure 9.4.1a Precision agriculture/forestry by primary industry Image — Figure 9.4.1a Precision agriculture/forestry by primary industry

Figure 9.4.1b Precision agriculture/forestry by region Image — Figure 9.4.1b Precision agriculture/forestry by region

Figure 9.4.2 Realised effects vs. expectations of using precision ag/forestry technology Image — Figure 9.4.2 Realised effects vs. expectations of using precision ag/forestry technology

Conservation

Figure 10.1 Percent of land set aside for bush and/or wetlands Image — Figure 10.1 Percent of land set aside for bush and/or wetlands

Figure 10.2 Reason that land has been set aside for bush and/or wetlands Image — Figure 10.2 Reason that land has been set aside for bush and/or wetlands

Figure 10.3 Actions taken on the land set aside for bush and/or wetlands Image — Figure 10.3 Actions taken on the land set aside for bush and/or wetlands

Animal pests

Figure 11.1 Farmers who undertake pest control Image — Figure 11.1 Farmers who undertake pest control

Wilding conifers

Figure 12.1 Conifers have become established outside of plantations Image — Figure 12.1 Conifers have become established outside of plantations

Figure 12.2 Opinion of conifers that have become established outside of plantations Image — Figure 12.2 Opinion of conifers that have become established outside of plantations

Figure 12.3 Primarily responsible for controlling wilding conifers Image — Figure 12.3 Primarily responsible for controlling wilding conifers

Climate

Figure 13.3 Anticipated effects of climate change on land use Image — Figure 13.3 Anticipated effects of climate change on land use

Values

Figure 14.1 In general I am prepared to take risks Image — Figure 14.1 In general I am prepared to take risks

Figure 14.2 In general I prefer leaving experimenting to someone else Image — Figure 14.2 In general I prefer leaving experimenting to someone else

Figure 14.3 I am always among the first in my area to try something new Image — Figure 14.3 I am always among the first in my area to try something new

Figure 14.4 I am in farming because I am committed to a tradition of farming Image — Figure 14.4 I am in farming because I am committed to a tradition of farming

Figure 14.5 My values are similar to other farmers in my area Image — Figure 14.5 My values are similar to other farmers in my area

Figure 14.6 My management practices are similar to other farmers in my area Image — Figure 14.6 My management practices are similar to other farmers in my area

Figure 14.7 I would reduce total output if I could maintain the same level of profit Image — Figure 14.7 I would reduce total output if I could maintain the same level of profit

Figure 14.8 I personally believe the right to hunt on public land should be maintained Image — Figure 14.8 I personally believe the right to hunt on public land should be maintained

Figure 14.9 I personally believe it is important to maintain the recreational use of waterways Image — Figure 14.9 I personally believe it is important to maintain the recreational use of waterways

Figure 14.10 I personally believe the Department of Conservation should protect habitat for native plants and animals on public land Image — Figure 14.10 I personally believe the Department of Conservation should protect habitat for native plants and animals on public land

Figure 14.11 I personally believe private land owners should protect habitat for native plants and animals on private land Image — Figure 14.11 I personally believe private land owners should protect habitat for native plants and animals on private land

Profitability

Figure 15.1 Percent debt relative to total value of capital and/or land by primary industry Image — Figure 15.1 Percent debt relative to total value of capital and/or land by primary industry

Labour

Figure 16.1 Median permanent and seasonal employees by primary industry Image — Figure 16.1 Median permanent and seasonal employees by primary industry

Figure 16.2 Ease of finding qualified permanent employees by primary industry Image — Figure 16.2 Ease of finding qualified permanent employees by primary industry

Figure 16.3 Ease of finding qualified seasonal employees by primary industry Image — Figure 16.3 Ease of finding qualified seasonal employees by primary industry

Future planning and expectations

Figure 17.1 Timing of planned intensification of dairy and horticulture Image — Figure 17.1 Timing of planned intensification of dairy and horticulture

Figure 17.2 Identity of successor by age group of farm owner Image — Figure 17.2 Identity of successor by age group of farm owner

Community involvement

Opportunities and challenges

Opportunities Commercial farms Image — Opportunities Commercial farms

Challenges Commercial farms Image — Challenges Commercial farms

Opportunities Lifestyle farms Image — Opportunities Lifestyle farms

Challenges Lifestyle farms Image — Challenges Lifestyle farms

Enquiries

If you would like to discuss how Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research can help your organisation gain insights from the Survey of Rural Decision Makers, please contact:

Joanne Dow
Principal Engagement Advisor
dowj@landcareresearch.co.nz
04 382 6641

Key contact

Pike Stahlmann-Brown

Principal Scientist, Economics

Chief Scientist

Contact