Survey of Rural Decision-Makers (SRDM)

Farmers all around the country are opening their e-mail to find an invitation to participate in the 2019 Survey of Rural Decision Makers. The survey asks farmers about their farming practices, land use and management, and future planning. The survey is proving to be a valuable resource for policy-makers, industry bodies, and researchers.

While the core questions remain similar to previous years, hot topics such as farm-level biosecurity, climate change, and tree planting are included in the 2019 survey.

This is the fourth biennial Survey of Rural Decision Makers; in 2017 over 4,500 people responded to the survey from across all sectors of farming, forestry and growing, including commercial and lifestyle farmers.

The data are reported at the district level to preserve respondent confidentiality. Results will be added to those of the previous three surveys..

Examples of how these data have been used with regional councils include:

Adoption of good management practices in dairying in selected regions (Taranaki Regional Council)
Farm planning and behavioural insights (Environment Southland)
Management practice and effectiveness of advice provided by regional councils (several councils).

Data collected in the survey can help regional councils consider the next steps for fresh water, biosecurity, or land use change in your region.