The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched the 2026 Northern Ireland Farm Census, urging all farmers and growers to complete the survey before 30 June 2026. The annual census provides the primary statistical foundation for agricultural policy decisions, tracking land use, livestock numbers and workforce composition across the region’s approximately 25,800 active farm businesses.
This year marks the second deployment of the Blaise digital platform, which DAERA introduced in 2025 to replace paper-based returns. Farmers require a 12-digit unique code—sent via invitation letter—to access the online questionnaire, which respondents can pause, save and resume at their convenience.
New Questions on Slurry Equipment
The 2026 census includes new questions on Low Emission Slurry Spreading Equipment (LESSE), reflecting DAERA’s ongoing push to reduce agricultural ammonia emissions as policy moves toward mandatory adoption requirements by 2030. The data will help officials assess current uptake rates ahead of potential universal obligations.
DAERA emphasised that census data will not be used for enforcement or cross-compliance, stating: “The data collected will be used for statistical and research purposes and will help to inform Departmental decisions and policies supporting Northern Ireland’s farming industry. It will not be used for cross-compliance or enforcement.”
DAERA urged participation across all sectors, stating: “The annual Farm Census is a vital tool in shaping agricultural policy and supporting our rural economy. The Department urges all farmers to take part and ensure their voices are heard. With the introduction of Blaise, it is easier to complete the census securely and efficiently. Your input will help to inform the building of a more sustainable and resilient future for Northern Ireland’s agriculture sector.”
Context from Recent Data
The 2026 data collection follows the publication of 2025 census results in December 2025, which revealed significant shifts in Northern Ireland’s agricultural landscape. Results showed dairy cow numbers rising 2% to 330,673 while beef cows declined 5% to 213,744. Poultry populations surged 9% to approximately 25.8 million birds, and pig numbers increased 8% to 744,858. Crop areas remained stable at roughly 46,578 hectares, though wheat cultivation expanded by 9%.
With nearly four-fifths of Northern Ireland farms classified as “very small” operations (under 20 hectares), the census methodology—augmented by administrative data from cattle tracing systems and poultry registers—aims to capture the full spectrum of agricultural activity, from large commercial enterprises to smallholdings.
Questions for Consideration
- How will the LESSE usage data collected in June 2026 influence the timeline and enforcement mechanisms for the proposed 2030 mandatory adoption deadline?
- Given that the census shows 79% of farms are “very small” operations, will the data reveal whether smaller enterprises face disproportionate financial barriers to purchasing low-emission slurry equipment compared to larger agricultural businesses?
- As climate policy increasingly drives agricultural regulation, how might future censuses expand to capture carbon storage, soil health or biodiversity metrics beyond current livestock and crop measurements?
- With the survey now entirely digital, what safeguards exist to ensure farmers without reliable broadband access or digital literacy are not systematically underrepresented in policy-making datasets?
How to Participate
Farmers can access the survey using their 12-digit unique code. Those yet to receive an invitation letter or requiring assistance should contact the Farm Surveys Branch at [email protected] or telephone 028 9081 6556. Detailed methodology and historical data are available via the Agricultural Census information page.
The results, expected to be published in late 2026, will inform departmental decisions on rural funding, environmental regulations and industry support schemes—including the practical implementation of ammonia reduction targets that will shape farming practices for the remainder of the decade.