Farm incomes surveyed

Press, 20 July 1984, Page 21

Farm incomes surveyed

Cropping farms had an average net income of $14,336 for the year ending June, 1983, according to an economic survey conducted by the Department of Statistics. The average total gross income for 1596 farms in the survey was $85,023. Wheat was the biggest contributor to the income with $15,205, maize was $10,721, barley $10,356, peas $7143, oats $1633 and other crops $15,420. Income from other types of farming contributed an average of $20,053. Fertiliser, lime and seeds accounted for $9722 in expenditure, weed and pest control cost $4879 and fuel (including electricity) was $5805. Other expenses included livestock purchases $5552, repairs and maintenance $5874, wages to employees $4685 and other cultivating, sowing and harvesting expenses were $5210. The average gross income

for a pig farm was $123,122, according to a survey of 623 farms. The average net income was $15,612. Sales of pigs for slaughter contributed an average of $96,123 in income and live pig sales $11,770. On the expenditure side, pig purchases were $14,391, stock feed $50,358, fuel (including electricity) $4534, and wages to employees $8326. A survey of 4185 fruit and vegetable farms showed an average net income of $5878. The survey included developing as well as developed farms which is reflected in the low average net income. The average gross income was $69,651, comprising $36,491 from sales of fruit and berries, and $24,919 from vegetable sales. Wages to employees topped the expenditure at $13,688, packing material and cases was $5954, fertiliser $5549 and fuel (including electricity) $3459.