WUR . income estimate
Major differences between farmers' incomes
Greenhouse horticulturists, dairy farmers and pig farmers in particular farmed well in 2017. Arable farmers are actually struggling with disappointing yields, according to figures from Wageningen University and Research (WUR).
The average income in Dutch agriculture and horticulture has risen this year by €20.000 to an average of €71.000 per unpaid annual work unit (aje). What is striking, however, is that the differences between farmers are enormous. With €326.000 per aje, the greenhouse growers (vegetables) are at the top of the income estimate. At the bottom is the arable sector with an average of €25.000 per aje.
In terms of livestock farmers, mainly sow farmers en dairy farmers good returns. In particular, the income growth that sow farmers have made is unprecedented. From a loss of €62.000 in 2015 to an average income of €187.000 per aje this year.
There are extremely diverse income differences in poultry farming. This is due to the fipronil affair. On average, however, the income on laying hen farms has doubled to €126.000 per aje.
Positive profitability
For the first time in history, the revenues made in Dutch agriculture and horticulture exceed the costs incurred (profitability). For 2017, this is €104 in revenues, compared to €100 in the use of own labor and capital.
The average production value of Dutch agriculture and horticulture rose this year by 8% to €29,1 million. This is mainly due to higher prices in livestock farming (pig, milk and egg prices). Due to rising revenues, there was a low number of bankruptcies in the first 3 quarters of 2017.
Wouter Job
© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.