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FBS90: Celebrating 90 Years of the Farm Business Survey 

Celebrating the people, farms and data behind the survey, while supporting the Farming Community Network (FCN)

In 2026, the Farm Business Survey marks 90 years of working with farmers across England to understand how farm businesses operate.

FBS90 recognises the contribution of farmers, Research Officers and the wider agricultural community in building one of the most trusted sources of farm business data.

To mark this milestone, a programme of activity will take place throughout the year to celebrate the survey’s history and highlight its ongoing importance.

This includes fundraising in support of the Farming Community Network (FCN), a charity providing confidential support to farmers and rural communities.

Logo with large grey letters FCN next to green text reading THE FARMING COMMUNITY NETWORK, highlighting support for wellbeing and mental health, with vertical green lines separating the sections on a white background.

90 years of farms, data and change

Since the 1930s, the Farm Business Survey has provided a consistent and independent view of how farms operate as businesses.

While farming has changed significantly over time, the core focus of the survey has remained the same — capturing the full economic picture of the farm.

Over the decades, the survey has evolved from handwritten fieldbooks to fully digital data collection, with increasing structure and detail to reflect modern farming and policy needs.

Throughout this period, the survey has consistently collected information on:

  • Farm structure and land use
  • Labour, including both family and paid workforce
  • Costs, outputs and income
  • Enterprise performance
  • The influence of policy and market conditions

As farming has become more complex, so too has the survey — expanding to include areas such as financial management, environmental practices and business resilience.

This long-term, consistent approach provides a trusted evidence base, enabling meaningful comparison over time while supporting current policy, research and industry understanding.

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A combine harvester transfers harvested grain into a tractor trailer in a wheat field under a clear sky, with golden wheat in the foreground and dust rising in the background.

FBS90 activities

We will be doing range of activities throughout 2026 to mark the 90th anniversary of the Farm Business Survey.

These include:

  • A national FBS90 walking challenge, bringing teams together across FBS and Defra
  • Fundraising and team activities in support of the Farming Community Network (FCN)
  • Employee volunteering days supporting farming and rural community initiatives
  • An FBS90 Seminar in York organised by Defra for September 2026
  • Podcasts, media features and storytelling, sharing real farming perspectives
  • Press and broadcast coverage highlighting the role and impact of the survey
  • Attendance at agricultural shows and industry events across England
  • Engagement at livestock markets and auction marts
  • Publication of insight reports and analysis from the FBS team

We will update this page regularly with the latest activity, including events, media appearances and fundraising progress. Please check back to see what’s happening and how to get involved.

Get involved and support FBS90

There are a number of ways to get involved:

  • Make a donation to support our fundraising target of £5,000 for the Farming Community Network (FCN)
  • Invite the FBS team to speak at your event meeting or industry group
  • Connect with us at shows, markets and sector events
  • Share your experience of the Farm Business Survey with us
  • Help us raise awareness of FCN and the support they provide

We welcome opportunities to engage with farmers, organisations and the wider agricultural community throughout the year.

DONATE
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Supporting the farming community

Fundraising activity throughout FBS90 will support the Farming Community Network (FCN).

FCN provides confidential support to farmers and rural families, offering practical and emotional guidance during challenging times.

This reflects the importance of supporting the farming community alongside celebrating the contribution of those involved in the survey.

Want to explore the data behind the reports?

The Farm Business Survey continues to provide trusted data used by policymakers, researchers and the agricultural industry.

VISIT THE DASHBOARD

Be part of the next chapter

The Farm Business Survey relies on the continued participation of farmers across England.

By taking part, you contribute to a dataset that supports agricultural policy, research and industry understanding.

REGISTER TO JOIN THE fBS