SRUC | SAC Consulting | Scottish Farm Business Survey

The Scottish Farm Business Survey (SFBS) has been running since the 1930s and is widely recognised as the most authoritative annual financial analysis of farmers in Scotland.

As a key data source for important national statistics that inform Scottish Government policy making, the survey has value for all Scottish agriculture.

Alongside these shared benefits, there are also major advantages for those who provide data for use in the SFBS. If you take part – and this is entirely voluntary and confidential – your farm will strengthen the existing pool of some 400 farms. The survey will allow farmers across the country to gain invaluable insights into their business whilst supporting Scottish agriculture.

If you have a farm business turnover of at least £25,000 and would like to discuss taking part, please get in touch: ScottishFarmBusinessSurvey@sac.co.uk / 07557661316

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What do we ask of you?

To take part in the Scottish Farm Business Survey, all that's needed from you is:

your most recent set of annual accounts in either digital format, sent by email, or the original paper documents; and
a follow up discussion (online if required) to ask a few questions. This will take no more than two hours of your time.

What happens if you take part?

When you sign up for the Scottish Farm Business Survey, you will be allocated to a Farm Business Analyst - many of whom are vastly experienced in analysing farm accounts, and they will work with you to ensure your data is correct and entered in time.

All data is anonymised before being shared with Scottish Government, so your business confidentiality is protected. You can download the privacy notice for more information.

What do you get for taking part?

In return for confidential access to your annual accounts and no more than two hours of your time each year, participation will give you invaluable insights into your business and help Scottish agriculture. You'll receive:

The Farm Business Report. This set of detailed management accounts will help you truly understand your business finances and, as you progress from year to year in the survey, will allow you to track your performance over up to last three years.
Whole Farm Benchmarks. A business planning tool that allows you to compare your business with other similar businesses, and to track progress year on year.
A whole farm carbon audit. This will help you better understand your business in the round and may help with grant applications.
A 25% discount on a Xero bookkeeping subscription from SAC Consulting. Survey staff, who are based in offices all over Scotland can offer one-to-one support to get your business set up in Xero if you join the survey.

Sign up to take part

If you have a farm business turnover of at least £25,000 and would like to discuss taking part, please get in touch by contacting the SFBS team at:

ScottishFarmBusinessSurvey@sac.co.uk | 07557661316

Farmers’ input invited on health of Scottish farming

Farmers across the country are being asked to contribute to an annual survey designed to help farmers with their business financial performance, as well as support the Scottish Government’s future agricultural policy decisions.

Farm Business Survey more important than ever

An in-depth economic study of Scotland’s farms has been at the forefront of helping to inform agricultural policy for the last 85 years.

Farmers urged to benchmark carbon footprint

SAC Consulting has again been awarded the government contract to conduct a nationwide survey which helps farms to save money while also benchmarking their carbon footprint and nitrate. Farms completing the Scottish Farm Business Survey will be given a full carbon footprint measurement using Agrecalc, SAC Consulting’s award-winning farm carbon calculator.

Farmers sought for business survey

Farmers looking to improve their business performance are being offered the chance to take part in a survey in return for free financial and environmental reports.

Benchmarking farm performance

New benchmarking tools have been created to help farmers improve their profitability by comparing their performance against other businesses in the sector.

Managing business finances

SAC specialist business consultants offer a range of services that will enhance your business profitability and help you to plan for the future.

Bookkeeping & payroll services

SAC Consulting offer affordable bookkeeping and payroll solutions regardless of the size of your business or your location, and which are tailored to your needs.