Productivity movements in Australian agriculture

Broadcare productivity growth has been highly volatile, although long term trends are positive. Total factor productivity (TFP) for broadacre farms averaged 1.5 per cent a year between 1977-78 and 2006-07. Dairy productivity growth amongst dairy specialists averaged 1.2 per cent a year between 1988-89 and 2006-07. Cropping industries continue to perform better than livestock industries over the long term achieving annual productivity growth of 2.1 per cent a year over the past three decades. Differing productivity growth rates are apparent between geographical regions. Seasonal conditions and access to markets are factors that affect overall performance in the farm sector in Australia.