The Milk Producer - February 2012 - (Page 8)

DAIRYUPDATE Rosy outlook Canadian dairy farmers show confidence about the future of their family enterprises I f you’re feeling good about future prospects for your family earning a living from milking cows, you’re far from alone. High levels of optimism abound among dairy farmers from coast to coast, according to a recent Farm Credit Canada survey. Optimism among all Canadian farmers and agribusiness owners hit an all-time high in 2011, according to the fifth annual Farm Credit Canada national Vision Panel survey. Eighty per cent say their farm or business will be better off in five years—a shift from 76 per cent in 2010. Further evidence of this optimistic attitude is demonstrated in additional survey findings which include: • more Canadian producers report being better off today than they were five years ago—77 per cent compared with 67 per cent in 2010. Dairy and crop farmers were the most optimistic groups; • 58 per cent of producers plan to expand or diversify their operations within the next five years; • seven in 10 producers would encourage a friend or relative to pursue a career in primary production. At 64 per cent, dairy farmers were the third most likely producers planning to expand or diversify their operations, behind horticulture at 73 per cent and “other animal” at 69 per cent. Dairy farmers are also the biggest advocates of agricultural careers at 85 per cent, followed closely by poultry producers at 83 per cent and crop farmers at 82 per cent. Some 80 per cent are also likely to recommend a 8 | February 2012 | MilkPRODUCER Looking ahead, do you believe that your farm or business will be better off or worse off in five years than it is now? Percentage of dairy farmers responding better off: B.C. Alberta Saskatchewan Manitoba Ontario Quebec Atlantic Provinces All Provinces 89% 88% N/A* 84% 87% 82% 81% 84% * Table does not include province-sector combinations with sample sizes of less than 10 producers. Source: FCC national Vision Panel survey 2011. career in primary production. FCC Vision Panel members—more than 9,000 farmers and agribusiness and agri-food operators—were asked last fall about their views on the state of agriculture. Nearly 4,500 farmers participated. “Producers said their optimism is driven by their expectation of profitability over the next five years, in- creasing global demand for food and the fact they have either recently, or expect to, reduce their debt over the next five years,” says FCC president and CEO Greg Stewart. “At the same time, they expressed caution due to factors beyond their control such as weather, unpredictable economic conditions and potential rising interest rates, which makes perfect sense.”

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Milk Producer - February 2012

The Milk Producer - February 2012
Contents
Editor's Notes
DFO Chair's Message
Dairy Update
Industry Roundup
DFC Promotion
Research
Ruminations
Alternative Energy
Calf Health
Markets
New 'N' Noted
Back Forty

The Milk Producer - February 2012