DENVER, CO, March 15th, 2023 –AgriWebb, creator of the world’s leading digital livestock management software trusted by over 16,000 farmers managing more than 20 million animals across over 136 million global acres of land, has released the 2023 State of the Global Farmer Report. This second annual global report combines self-reported insights from over 800 producers worldwide, and trends and insights from data captured by more than 16,000 AgriWebb users, enabling the industry to stay ahead of challenges and embrace opportunities that will shape the future of the livestock industry.
The 2023 State of the Global Farmer Survey, which informed the 2023 report, engaged with producers in the US, UK, Australia, South Africa, South America, and Europe. It explored their perspectives on a range of business-critical themes, including animal management, tech adoption, marketing and selling animals, grazing practices, industry horizon predictions, and more.
“Climatic, regulatory and funding pressures are challenges farmers and ranchers have faced since the beginning of time. 2022 proved no different. The industry faced these obstacles head on. Farmers and ranchers adapted and evolved their practices to keep their businesses alive. As 2023 gets underway, we look to further empower producers across North America with the insights and perspectives shared by their peers, to help them both overcome future obstacles and achieve their long-term business goals,” said Kevin Baum, CEO of AgriWebb.
Key findings from the AgriWebb 2023 State of the Global Farmer Report, comparing results from the regions surveyed, include:
Government pressure building
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Government pressures have skyrocketed as a top reported concern across all regions. In the US, most (59%) respondents feel very unsupported or somewhat unsupported by the government.
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This extends to the legislative pressures as well. Producers in the US have cited regulatory pressure as a major concern, as can be seen with debate around the PAUSE act and CO2 emission cut targets spreading throughout the EU.
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Of particular interest to US producers is the multi-year Farm Bill which is set to expire on 30 September this year. Many respondents have expressed concern about how their needs will be served in the renewed Farm Bill.
Going direct
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In the US, reported participation in direct-to-consumer marketing has increased since last year, with 50% of producers responding that they sell some, or all, of their beef directly to the end-user in comparison to the 39% in 2022. While taste, quality and convenience continue to be main drivers of consumer purchasing decisions, the “local story” has more of a seat at the table, and more producers are capitalizing on higher price points and taking more ownership over the supply chain.
The carbon waiting game
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There’s been a significant decrease in the reported prioritization of carbon markets and carbon sequestration across all regions. However, for those US farmers who’d like to get involved in the carbon market, President Biden’s signing into law of the “Growing Climate Solutions Act” has increased their access to markets, providers, and credit protocol verifiers.
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Most respondents (52%) indicated that they were waiting to see how the market developed when it comes to carbon before they take a more active role. Generally, farmers reported being either unwilling or not ready to enter carbon credit programs, given the lack of regulation and accreditation in this area.
When reflecting on the previous year’s results, the State of the Global Farmer Report found:
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Rising input costs (#1) as well as interest rates (#3) debut as the biggest challenges surveyed farmers and ranchers face, while overall beef prices and packer consolidation remain a top concern but trail these larger economic worries.
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From 2022 to 2023, the biggest reported priorities stay consistent: increasing overall profitability, improving herd efficiencies, and increasing operational efficiency.
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Participation in value-added certifications has increased by more than 15% year over year. Value-added certifications are seen as a route to improve margins, led by Beef Quality Assurance, Source and Age Verified, and All Natural.
Click here to download the 2023 State of the Global Farmer Report.
About AgriWebb
Founded in 2014 by fifth-generation farmers, AgriWebb is the all in one Livestock Management software that moves our industry forward. Our industry-leading digital solutions empower farmers and ranchers to transform everyday on-farm data into powerful business insights that unlock a more profitable, efficient, and sustainable future. We believe the farmers who uphold the legacy of the livestock industry are also the stewards of our society’s future; of a planet that is fertile and a population that is fed. Trusted by over 16,000 farmers worldwide, entrusted to the oversight of more than 20 million animals across over 136 million acres of land, AgriWebb is welcoming more than 250 new users each month. AgriWebb is the singular connected platform that enables our industry chart the course to a more successful future.
