Covid accelerates technology usage across farming sector
THE increased use of technology among farmers as a result of Covid is evident in a recent survey, which showed over 70% of farmers saying they want online buying and selling in the marts to continue post-pandemic.
Over 1,700 farmers across the country participated in the survey for the annual Farm Report conducted by ifac, Ireland’s farming, food and agribusiness professional services firm.
The survey has revealed the impact of Covid-19 on the farming community, from the accelerated adoption of technology on the farm to the rise in social isolation and loss of community engagement.
Seven out of eight (86%) farmers say broadband is now essential, making the rollout of rural broadband an urgent requirement across the country for business tasks including banking. One in two (52%) farmers use herd and breeding software on their farms.
When it comes to farmer wellbeing, three in four (75%) say they will take the Covid-19 vaccine (with 19% unsure and 6% not planning to take a vaccine).
Almost a third (31%) of farmers risk burnout by not taking a holiday (for at least a week) in the last three years or more. Also, three in four (75%) say Covid-19 has negatively impacted their social life, and two out of five (42%) say they don’t know who to call for support.
The survey also highlights the opportunities for farmers in relation to their preparation for the future.
For the third year in a row, the survey results indicate that farmers of all ages are continuing to put off succession planning. Less than a quarter (24%) have identified a future successor, with almost one in three (31%) saying their farm business is not viable enough. Additionally, three out of five (58%) don’t complete any budgets or cash flows.
Of those who employ non-family farm labour, only 21% have written contracts of employment in place, only 17% have an employee handbook and less than a quarter (24%) know how much they need to have in their pension to provide a €200 per week income from the age of 65.