AN analysis of Scottish farm income figures over a 14-year period shows little change in the gap between the highest and lowest earning businesses, despite Government or EU inspired policy shifts, or price movements caused by volatile markets.
The research used anonymous data from the Farm Accounts Survey of Scotland collected by SRUC, Scotland's rural college.
Using analytical techniques common to economists PhD student Kalina Kasprzyk studied 151 farms over time and measured the spread of individual net farm incomes in comparison to the average net farm income. She found that while average net farm income moved up or down over the 14 years studied, none of the farms in the bottom quarter moved out of that group, while those in the higher performing group also maintained their status.
Dr Andrew Barnes of SRUC, who supervised the research, commented: "Transitory shocks like droughts or floods may cause blips, but what this work shows is that the substantial inequality within the industry is structural and persistent, and the higher incomes are held by a small proportion of farmers."
Market round-up
United Auctions sold 1034 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 294.4p per kg and an average of 228.4p (+3p on the week), while 1313 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 297.3p and levelled at 235.2p (-0.1p). One-hundred-and-sixteen store, B&W bullocks sold to 199.5p and averaged 167.6p (-4.8p), while 64 store bulls peaked at 246p and levelled at 192.4p.
In the rough ring 146 cows averaged 125.7p.
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 447 prime hoggs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £84 per head and 185.9p per kg to average 170.2p (-4.4p), while 15 prime lambs peaked at £104 and 220p to level at 195p.
A small show of 67 cast sheep saw ewes sell to £123 for Beltex and £77.50 for Blackfaces.
The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart sold 32 prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 229.5p and an average of 199.4p.
There were 95 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows averaged 136.2p and dairy cows levelled at 109.2p.
The firm also sold 426 prime hoggs to a top of £93.50 and 234p to average 173p, while 23 prime lambs peaked at £102 and 214p to level at 208.4p.
The 166 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £127.50 for Suffolks and average £80.29, while light ewes peaked at £75.50 for Cheviots and levelled at £58.52.
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