■ Crop prices rose by 9% for a second year resulting in higher gross margins, but rising fixed costs impacted on farmer returns

■ Variable costs were generally lower during the 2017 harvest year. Labour, energy and depreciation costs rose further

■ Average farmer returns improved for in-hand and contract farming agreement operations during the 2017 harvest year

■ Given the uncertainty associated with Brexit, farmers should focus on reducing costs and preparing businesses for change

■ Sharing best practice between countries can also help to identify areas for improvement and to inform business decision making

About the Survey This report includes statistics for in-hand (IH) and contract farming agreement (CFA) operations, with the focus on farmer returns. For more information and to take part in the Harvest 2018 survey, please contact us.

■ Covers 20,000 hectares of combinable cropping area

■ Average farm (combinable crops) is just over 325 hectares

■ National coverage

■ Predominant soil types are clay and loam with just over three quarters of farms on grade 3 land