The ABS and ABARES are working together, with a range of stakeholders including RDCs and state and territory governments, to modernise the agricultural statistics system.
Our focus is to:
- fill data gaps
- explore and refine new statistical methods and data sources
- continue to collaborate with industry bodies
Outcomes
Agricultural statistics units within ABARES and ABS have already achieved results together.
New data gathering methods
In 2023, the ABS released an information paper that posed a new way to produce official agricultural statistics.
Modernising ABS agricultural statistics details how we would move away from collecting data from farmers via surveys. Instead, we would use existing data sources including industry data, levy payer register data and satellite mapping.
The first release of statistics using the new approach was in June 2024.
See data:
- Australian Agriculture: Broadacre Crops, 2022-23 financial year (Australian Bureau of Statistics)
- Australian Agriculture: Horticulture, 2022-23 financial year (Australian Bureau of Statistics)
- Australian Agriculture: Livestock, 2022-23 financial year (Australian Bureau of Statistics)
Data releases
We have expanded our data releases. This includes:
- review of estimating Gross Value of Agricultural Production statistics
- ongoing release of quarterly livestock products statistics (Australian Bureau of Statistics).
As part of the modernisation strategy, a historical agricultural dataset was released by the ABS in April 2024. This release contains data looking back over 150 years for a selection of agricultural commodities including crops and livestock from 1860 to 2022.
Release of historic agricultural data and an update on future agricultural data (abs.gov.au)
Stakeholder engagement
We have increased engagement with stakeholders through land and water user need consultations. This will help us gain a better understanding of user needs.
Example
This example shows how the modernisation program will improve data and provides a comparison between the previous and modernised system. These modernised new estimates were used in the latest livestock statistical release from the ABS.
What is the estimated number of beef herd cattle in Australia?
Previous system
- Users seek data to answer this question. They find that it is available from a variety of sources.
- Data producers have developed estimates independently. Each uses their own methods and assumptions.
- The user receives different estimates from different data producers. This results in confusion and mistrust in the data.
Modernised system
- Data producers agree to prioritise a consistent estimate. They work together to create consistent estimates.
- Users know where to find the data.
- The system provides consistent estimates. Any differences are explained and quantified.
- The system integrates data from a range of sources with shared methods and assumptions.
- The user receives a consistent and coherent estimate of beef herd cattle in Australia. This builds trust in the data.
Future releases
See more on the modernisation project and our future plans. Read the Modernising agricultural statistics: Update on achievements and remaining data gaps (abs.gov.au) information paper.
For upcoming data releases see: