Scottish farm business income: annual estimates 2017-2018
This analysis is based on the March 2019 published statistics for the period 2017-2018. Revisions have been made to correct for a processing error affecting these estimates. Revised 2017-18 data is available in the Scottish farm business income: annual estimates 2018-19 publication. For the most recent data, visit the Scottish farm business income (FBI) collection page below.
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The farm debt ratio increased slightly over the previous year
The financial information collected from our survey allows us to estimate the financial health of the farms. By looking at the farms assets and the debt each business holds we can calculate the overall value of the business which is called net worth.
12% Average debt ratio for Scottish farms
The amount of assets that are held by farms has decreased slightly over the previous three years. The amount of debt held by farms has also risen slightly. Neither of these shifts have greatly changed the average debt ratio.
When debt rises in line with rising asset values this shows banks are willing to invest in the sector as they have confidence that farmers can repay their loans.
As the farm debt ratio has only increased slightly, the statistics do not indicate immediate concerns with rising levels of debt.
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Email: agric.stats@gov.scot
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