Are Swiss farmers overworked? Evidence from a labour requirement calculation model

This study focuses on workload as a sustainability indicator comparing the modelled demand for labour—based on a farm’s production portfolio—with the deployed labour resources on the farm, according to self-declared statistics. It uses a sample of 700 farms that provide detailed bookkeeping data. The descriptive analysis indicates that 10% of the sample are underworked, whereas 34% are clearly overworked, with a labour deficit exceeding 20%. The econometric analysis shows that diversified farms and those focusing on husbandry are the most likely to experience overwork. It also reveals that farms working with contractors face a higher risk of overwork, while employing hired workers reduces this risk. • Two thirds of Swiss farmers are overworked, half of them is even in a stage that is described as critical (more than 20 % excess work). • Farms with livestock as well as diversified farms are more affected from overwork than specialized crop farms. • Hiring employees reduces the threat of overwork, whereas hiring contractors increases it.