Farm incomes: April 2020 to March 2021

These figures represent the results of the Wales Farm Business Survey for 2020-21.

The report includes an additional table with trends in three different measures of farm income.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic seriously disrupted the collection of data which resulted in significantly delayed analysis and publication of results. It has been decided to publish the key results before the end of the current financial year (March 2022) with further detailed analyses planned to follow later in the year, according to users’ requirements.

Average farm business income in Wales in 2020-21, and change since 2019-20 (at current prices)

Dairy farms

Average income has varied greatly over the past eight years. After the high of 2017-18, income has returned to a moderate level of £60,200. This is an increase of 19% on last year and is notably higher than the low period of 2015-16 and 2016-17.

Cattle and sheep (Less Favoured Area) farms

After a low in 2018-19 average income increased for the second consecutive year for 2020-21 to £29,900. This represents an increase of 32% on last year and  is the highest average income since 2011-12.

Cattle and sheep (lowland) farms

Following a two year decrease since 2017-18, average income increased by 38% (to £22,900) returning to a similar level as that seen in 2016-17.

Updates during 2023

Final results for 2021-22 are expected to be published in early 2023.