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Mature Male Farm Manager With Female Worker Standing Inside Cattle Barn Looking At Digital Tablet

<h3>Introduction</h3><p>There’s no shortage of schemes and acronyms in Irish farming, but the 2025 National Suckler Beef Welfare Scheme has caught people’s attention for a simple reason: it looks like money that’s actually within reach. At €75 per eligible calf, up to a maximum of 45 calves, it’s one of the more straightforward supports we’ve seen in recent years. And at a time when feed, vet bills and energy costs are still putting the squeeze on, that extra bit of cash can keep the wheels turning.</p><figure id="figure-xo2gzw5qemmela0df2" class=""><img id="xo2gzw5qemmela0df2" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1215947423/photo/a-farmer-adjusts-a-fence-on-a-farm-in-stamullen-co-meath-ireland.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=opPHwlW2HSg_uMJYphcOP3SEdsooUSZ626xr27S4dns=" alt="A farmer adjusts a fence on a farm in Stamullen, Co. Meath, Ireland." title="A farmer adjusts a fence on a farm in Stamullen, Co. Meath, Ireland." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1215947423/photo/a-farmer-adjusts-a-fence-on-a-farm-in-stamullen-co-meath-ireland.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=opPHwlW2HSg_uMJYphcOP3SEdsooUSZ626xr27S4dns=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Who’s In and Who’s Out</h3><p>The rules are fairly clear, but worth spelling out:</p><ul><li>To qualify, calves must be born between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025, and they have to be registered within 27 days of birth.</li><li>Bought-in calves don’t count, even if you buy a cow-and-calf pair. The scheme is for breeding herds, not trading systems.</li></ul><p><br>That second rule in particular is where people often slip up. We’ve already heard from farmers who assumed a calf bought at the mart with its dam would qualify. Unfortunately, it won’t. The scheme is aimed squarely at supporting suckler herds that are breeding their own calves.</p><figure id="figure-gowok0dmyrmela5gap" class=""><img id="gowok0dmyrmela5gap" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1132035079/photo/hows-my-lovely-girls-doing-this-morning.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=a67waQypD7PJ0gKGsSdarBHNZ8SaSaEb6SN9C5BtPzo=" alt="How's my lovely girls doing this morning?" title="How's my lovely girls doing this morning?" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1132035079/photo/hows-my-lovely-girls-doing-this-morning.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=a67waQypD7PJ0gKGsSdarBHNZ8SaSaEb6SN9C5BtPzo=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><h3>What the Money Really Means</h3><p>Let’s talk numbers, because that’s what matters at the end of the day.</p><ul><li>The average suckler herd size in Ireland is 16 cows (CSO 2024). If 14 calves qualify, that’s a payout of €1,050. That’s enough to cover the AI straws for the year, a round of calf vaccines, or even the cost of tags and registration fees.</li><li>A 30-cow herd could see a payment closer to €2,100. That would cover the entire silage wrap bill for the winter, or a good chunk of contractor costs.</li><li>Bigger herds hitting the 45-calf ceiling would bring in €3,375. For many, that’s a month’s ration bill for weanlings taken care of.</li></ul><p><br>On its own, it’s not going to make sucklers profitable overnight. But in a sector where margins are often wafer-thin, this is money that slots directly into the day-to-day running of the farm.</p><figure id="figure-2revchenfamela8735" class=""><img id="2revchenfamela8735" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1200581990/photo/senior-man-in-a-rural-setting-with-his-back-to-the-camera-looking-at-beef-cattle-in-a-field.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=nAiSBIIGLFXPD04xQJzGcV5ntHYKT35vYgBd0DmohsU=" alt="Senior man in a rural setting with his back to the camera looking at beef cattle in a field in south west Scotland." title="Senior man in a rural setting with his back to the camera looking at beef cattle in a field in south west Scotland." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1200581990/photo/senior-man-in-a-rural-setting-with-his-back-to-the-camera-looking-at-beef-cattle-in-a-field.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=nAiSBIIGLFXPD04xQJzGcV5ntHYKT35vYgBd0DmohsU=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Watch the Pitfalls</h3><p>Schemes like this are meant to be straightforward, but experience tells us mistakes can cost dearly.</p><p><strong>1. Late registrations:</strong> In 2023, around 8% of calves nationally were registered late. That’s one in every twelve. And the rule here is black and white, miss the 27-day window and you lose the payment, no appeals.</p><p><strong>2. Paperwork slip-ups:</strong> Calves logged under the wrong category or herd details not matching have caused headaches before. The devil really is in the detail, especially when applications are flying in at the last minute.</p><p><strong>3. Wrong assumptions:</strong> As mentioned, purchased calves, even with the dam, won’t count. Too many farmers got caught on this in previous years.</p><figure id="figure-n7yzxxi27melabnj6" class=""><img id="n7yzxxi27melabnj6" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2226220387/photo/cow-in-the-green-rolling-hills-in-ireland-close-up-of-cow-eating-grass-in-the-pasture.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=LRT3IXG2aG9xbUiTlD9qGXx_VKF_JXPQRpgi2EnSGS8=" alt="Cow in the green rolling hills in Ireland. Close up of cow eating grass in the pasture" title="Cow in the green rolling hills in Ireland. Close up of cow eating grass in the pasture" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2226220387/photo/cow-in-the-green-rolling-hills-in-ireland-close-up-of-cow-eating-grass-in-the-pasture.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=LRT3IXG2aG9xbUiTlD9qGXx_VKF_JXPQRpgi2EnSGS8=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Why It’s Creating Buzz</h3><p>Part of the buzz is simply down to the numbers. Last year, payments averaged €50–60 per calf once all conditions were met. This year, €75 per calf is a noticeable lift.</p><p>With around 800,000 suckler cows in Ireland (ICBF 2024), the potential money flowing into the sector is significant. Even if half the cows qualify, you’re looking at tens of millions of euro going straight into rural areas. For many farm households, that extra cash can be the difference between breaking even and slipping into the red.</p><p>It also signals that the Department knows support is badly needed. Suckler numbers have been slowly declining in recent years, with many younger farmers stepping back from the system due to cost pressures. A stronger scheme like this may at least slow the slide.</p><figure id="figure-8311bxlb1meladvyt" class=""><img id="8311bxlb1meladvyt" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/889095754/photo/can-you-tell-me-where-my-mom-is.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Lqbn1kTXdaW3wzJYWMoHy_87o6YU5QB525RVS2Wz05g=" alt="Can you tell me where my mom is?" title="Can you tell me where my mom is?" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/889095754/photo/can-you-tell-me-where-my-mom-is.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Lqbn1kTXdaW3wzJYWMoHy_87o6YU5QB525RVS2Wz05g=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Don’t Miss the Deadline</h3><ul><li><strong>This one is hard to overstate:</strong> applications must be submitted by 23:59 on 24 September 2025. And the Department has been crystal clear, no late entries will be accepted.</li><li>That gives farmers about five weeks from now. It sounds like plenty of time, but as every farmer knows, deadlines have a way of sneaking up. Leaving it until the night before, when agfood.ie is under pressure with half the country trying to log on, is a recipe for stress.</li></ul><figure id="figure-831602fxy9melafstc" class=""><img id="831602fxy9melafstc" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1336187553/photo/parliament-of-ireland.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=tD4XWB7wi_3QwGKt_Kl_PLP1UC0I9lz3HKIleWpg5-g=" alt="Parliament of Ireland" title="Parliament of Ireland" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1336187553/photo/parliament-of-ireland.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=tD4XWB7wi_3QwGKt_Kl_PLP1UC0I9lz3HKIleWpg5-g=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>For most farmers, the 2025 Suckler Scheme won’t be a windfall, but it will help balance the books. €1,000 to €3,000 is real money that can be put straight back into the system, whether that’s silage, vet bills, or simply keeping a buffer in the account.</p><p>The main thing is to avoid the pitfalls, tick the boxes correctly, and get the application in well before the deadline. For suckler farmers trying to hold the line in a tough sector, this scheme is one worth paying attention to.</p><p><br></p><p>*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.</p>

Understanding the 2025 National Suckler Beef Welfare Scheme

<h3>Introduction&nbsp;</h3><p>Spring 2025 was not what most of us expected. Instead of battling mud and delayed turnout, we were dealing with record-breaking warmth and long, sunny spells. Met Éireann confirmed it as the warmest and sunniest spring in 126 years of records, with 20–30% more sunshine than normal. Rainfall was well below average, and by late May, cracks were opening in fields across the southeast and midlands. For some, the early grass growth was a blessing, but when regrowth slowed and silage crops came in lighter, the cost of the “good weather” became clear.</p><figure id="figure-q0f0h2vvlemeio3ntd" class=""><img id="q0f0h2vvlemeio3ntd" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/187020048/photo/farmland-in-county-kerry-ireland.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=gJPwafzEF-z-rbO2QGva_q89Iy5A8mLZUZnfp0Ca0y0=" alt="Farmland in County Kerry, Ireland" title="Farmland in County Kerry, Ireland" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/187020048/photo/farmland-in-county-kerry-ireland.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=gJPwafzEF-z-rbO2QGva_q89Iy5A8mLZUZnfp0Ca0y0=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>What Did It Actually Cost Farmers?</h3><p>For dairy herds, the hidden cost came in buffer feeding. Many farmers were forced to introduce meal four to six weeks earlier than planned, at a cost of €1.50 to €2 per cow per day. On a 100-cow herd, that added up to anywhere between €4,000 and €8,000 before the start of June. Silage yields were down as well. On average, first cut was lighter by one to two bales per acre. For a 100-acre block, that’s 100–200 bales missing from the yard. At €40–€50 per bale to replace, you’re looking at another €4,000–€5,000 to make up the shortfall.&nbsp;</p><p>Sheep and suckler farms also felt the pinch. Early lamb thrive was excellent thanks to the warm conditions, but as grass tightened, creep feed was introduced weeks earlier than usual. That added €25–€30 per lamb to costs. Water was another stress point. Shallow wells and streams dried up early in some regions, leaving farmers with little choice but to tanker water or, in more extreme cases, sink new boreholes. At €5,000–€8,000 for a borehole, that is simply out of reach for many family farms.</p><figure id="figure-jz5r8929smeioajvk" class=""><img id="jz5r8929smeioajvk" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2184801782/photo/cows-on-a-green-meadow-on-a-sunny-summer-day-top-view-agricultural-landscape-beautiful-nature.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=uk1IgkX5--YbfYc3FPKWHv_NvqqhgLCjSeHnxhMIkxk=" alt="Cows on a green meadow on a sunny summer day, top view. Agricultural landscape, beautiful nature. A country road among fields. Agricultural fields of southern Ireland." title="Cows on a green meadow on a sunny summer day, top view. Agricultural landscape, beautiful nature. A country road among fields. Agricultural fields of southern Ireland." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2184801782/photo/cows-on-a-green-meadow-on-a-sunny-summer-day-top-view-agricultural-landscape-beautiful-nature.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=uk1IgkX5--YbfYc3FPKWHv_NvqqhgLCjSeHnxhMIkxk=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Lessons from the Ground</h3><p>The warm spring wasn’t all bad news, but it highlighted stark differences between farms. Paddocks with clover or multispecies swards held on longer and kept stock grazing for a few extra days. Where soil fertility was at target levels for phosphorus and potassium, regrowth after grazing was noticeably better. And those with well-maintained water infrastructure managed stock stress far more easily than those scrambling to drag pipes across dry fields.</p><p>One Carlow dairy farmer summed it up well; “I grew more grass in March than May. The buffer cost me thousands, but the real sting is the lighter silage pit.” That honesty reflects what many across the country were feeling, good weather at the wrong time can be just as costly as a washout.</p><figure id="figure-mzla3pzmbsmeiod31v" class=""><img id="mzla3pzmbsmeiod31v" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1386881454/photo/english-woodland-in-rushmere-country-park.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=e-_k2GGEpEVXzhVddWTTLvf8a3x30WZPSEqWxyX9i4o=" alt="English woodland in Rushmere country park." title="English woodland in Rushmere country park." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1386881454/photo/english-woodland-in-rushmere-country-park.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=e-_k2GGEpEVXzhVddWTTLvf8a3x30WZPSEqWxyX9i4o=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Practical Moves for Farmers with Limited Budgets</h3><p>The big frustration is that most advice centres on costly solutions, irrigation, large-scale reseeding, or major infrastructure. But not every farm can afford that. Thankfully, resilience can be built with smaller, cheaper steps. Clover overseeding, at around €120 per acre, is a cost many farmers have found worthwhile. It boosts drought tolerance and reduces fertiliser dependence. Water troughs are another simple win. An extra trough at €80–€120 can prevent crowding, reduce walking stress, and make a big difference in hot weather.</p><p>For feed planning, bartering and local swapping have already become more common. A growing number of tillage farmers are open to straw-for-silage or forage trades, which can be a lifeline when fodder is short. And for those really under pressure, designating a “sacrifice paddock” avoids hammering the whole farm when grass simply won’t regrow. These aren’t glamorous solutions, but they are realistic and affordable.</p><figure id="figure-0zwcyrb3rhmeioftjp" class=""><img id="0zwcyrb3rhmeioftjp" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2195928716/photo/cows.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Ne8at192wU3dDi2mEpa9b4PmUJDsZh5gRqxzYrXUhKk=" alt="Cows" title="Cows" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2195928716/photo/cows.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Ne8at192wU3dDi2mEpa9b4PmUJDsZh5gRqxzYrXUhKk=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Support Schemes That Help</h3><p>Schemes like <strong>TAMS</strong> have provided a boost this year, especially the <strong>Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS)</strong>, which many farmers are tapping into for water pumping and cooling systems. <strong>ACRES</strong> payments have also softened the blow, particularly the low-input grassland options, which provided a small cushion for feed bills. It’s also worth remembering that investments in infrastructure such as troughs, solar PV, or water systems are 100% tax deductible in the first year. For farms running close to the line, this can turn a daunting outlay into a manageable decision.</p><figure id="figure-q47h9214imeiohoxo" class=""><img id="q47h9214imeiohoxo" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2227301311/photo/ancient-stone-wall-with-a-canola-field-behind-it-in-county-meath-ireland.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=-XpEkLVcOUJGjzFgY6EROOmlFgy42CJa3OqSKQP5H-w=" alt="Ancient stone wall with a canola field behind it in County Meath, Ireland" title="Ancient stone wall with a canola field behind it in County Meath, Ireland" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2227301311/photo/ancient-stone-wall-with-a-canola-field-behind-it-in-county-meath-ireland.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=-XpEkLVcOUJGjzFgY6EROOmlFgy42CJa3OqSKQP5H-w=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Preparing for 2026: What to Do Differently</h3><p>The biggest lesson from this spring is that “good weather” doesn’t always mean good farming weather. Planning must change. Building silage insurance by targeting 10–15% more than winter needs should be a priority. Feed budgets should be done monthly, not left until August when it is often too late. Local networks, like co-ops, discussion groups, even WhatsApp groups are becoming vital for quick feed swaps and silage deals. And perhaps most importantly, soil fertility cannot be ignored. Every Teagasc study continues to show that paddocks at the correct phosphorus and potassium levels grow one to two tonnes more dry matter per hectare, even in difficult weather. That is the cheapest insurance policy a farmer can buy.</p><figure id="figure-2u7yu5mgidmeiok8np" class=""><img id="2u7yu5mgidmeiok8np" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/494567472/photo/clover-field.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=opVl5bRM_OpdvYooUAZUIHfTJMUxLbR_TY8CLXJ_jXg=" alt="Clover field" title="Clover field" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/494567472/photo/clover-field.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=opVl5bRM_OpdvYooUAZUIHfTJMUxLbR_TY8CLXJ_jXg=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Spring 2025 showed us that heat without moisture can be just as tough on farms as endless rain. For many, it meant higher meal bills, lighter silage pits, and water stress that we’re not used to planning for in Ireland. But resilience doesn’t have to mean big spending. It means making smart, steady changes; overseeding with clover, fixing water troughs, budgeting feed monthly, and leaning on local networks. Farmers who make those changes now will be in a stronger position to face whatever 2026 brings.</p><p><br></p><p>*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.</p>

Counting the Cost of 2025's Warm Spring: Lessons and Preparations

<h3>Introduction</h3><p>A question that keeps coming up is; "Is it worth putting solar panels on the sheds?” For Irish farmers, the answer is moving from "maybe someday" to "why haven’t you already?" With volatile energy prices, generous grant aid, and more straightforward planning rules, solar PV on sheds is now a real, viable investment. And when the figures stack up, as shown in a detailed RTÉ-covered case study on a dairy farm, the payback can be quicker than most people think.</p><figure id="figure-3uopo2f1ameb9c7fs" class=""><img id="3uopo2f1ameb9c7fs" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2177954037/photo/a-dutch-farm-with-solar-panels-on-the-roof.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=UxZXx5HKLG6hs5d5RofDnTzPCx2j6Mlyl2V2gmN21vs=" alt="A Dutch farm with  solar panels on the roof" title="A Dutch farm with  solar panels on the roof" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2177954037/photo/a-dutch-farm-with-solar-panels-on-the-roof.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=UxZXx5HKLG6hs5d5RofDnTzPCx2j6Mlyl2V2gmN21vs=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Why Solar Makes Sense for Irish Farms</h3><p>The average farm shed in Ireland offers something homeowners rarely have; large, unshaded, south-facing roof space just waiting to be used. Solar PV allows farmers to cut annual electricity bills, lock in long-term savings against price hikes, and add a 25–30-year asset to the farm with minimal maintenance. Under the <strong>Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS)</strong>, part of <strong>TAMS</strong>, farmers can get up to 60% grant aid on solar PV systems. Combine that with a 100% year-one tax write-off and VAT reclaim, and many systems pay back in under three years. After that, you’re essentially generating a big chunk of your electricity for free.</p><figure id="figure-mtgivydp5meb9e0z9" class=""><img id="mtgivydp5meb9e0z9" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2148262646/photo/dutch-farm-stable-with-dairy-cows.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=rVu83FbnEdSY1uVYRgOZcoinDcxS86eBZIkM5HkmJ7U=" alt="Dutch farm stable with dairy cows" title="Dutch farm stable with dairy cows" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2148262646/photo/dutch-farm-stable-with-dairy-cows.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=rVu83FbnEdSY1uVYRgOZcoinDcxS86eBZIkM5HkmJ7U=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>What the Market Looks Like Now</h3><p>Ireland’s solar sector is busier than ever. Dozens of suppliers are chasing farm business, but not all panels and inverters are created equal. Lifespan, efficiency, and build quality vary, and the cheapest upfront price can often be the most expensive long-term. Solar PV delivers the best returns when you use most of the power yourself. Exporting to the grid is possible but pays less than buying electricity in. Farmers maximising returns are pairing panels with battery storage to store excess energy for the evening milking or next morning’s washdown, and with water heating diverters to heat water directly from surplus power instead of oil or electricity.</p><figure id="figure-5m24icgighmeb9fzxg" class=""><img id="5m24icgighmeb9fzxg" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2187086041/photo/service-engineer-checking-solar-cell-on-the-roof-for-maintenance-if-there-is-a-damaged-part.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=LoAxdeyFs_IeIdd5TPdIOsfbijLpTys-EgO301gLdxc=" alt="Service engineer checking solar cell on the roof for maintenance if there is a damaged part. Engineer worker install solar panel. Clean energy concept." title="Service engineer checking solar cell on the roof for maintenance if there is a damaged part. Engineer worker install solar panel. Clean energy concept." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2187086041/photo/service-engineer-checking-solar-cell-on-the-roof-for-maintenance-if-there-is-a-damaged-part.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=LoAxdeyFs_IeIdd5TPdIOsfbijLpTys-EgO301gLdxc=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Easier Planning and Permissions</h3><p>Since October 2022, most rooftop installations on farm buildings don’t need planning permission, except near airports. Ground-mounted systems can also be exempt if they stay within size limits. This change has sped up projects considerably and removed one of the major barriers to adoption.</p><h3>Grants, Tax Benefits, and True Costs</h3><p>The SCIS grant is ring-fenced from your other TAMS allocations, so you can install solar without affecting funding for other investments like fencing, slurry storage, or handling facilities.</p><figure id="figure-ru8535cspgmeb9hg6l" class=""><img id="ru8535cspgmeb9hg6l" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2225673440/photo/irish-cow.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=eJ5xcoottyi2lWUty_z9IFe6cDqcuZOF_6JSUmfkg3Q=" alt="Irish Cow" title="Irish Cow" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2225673440/photo/irish-cow.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=eJ5xcoottyi2lWUty_z9IFe6cDqcuZOF_6JSUmfkg3Q=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>The RTÉ Dairy Farm Case Study – Real Numbers, Real Payback</h3><p>An RTÉ case study examined a dairy farm with an annual electricity bill of €15,925, equating to roughly 45,500 kWh at an average cost of 35 cents per kWh. Energy use was split 70% during the day and 30% at night. The biggest consumers on the farm were the bulk tank, accounting for 52% of usage, hot water at 22%, the vacuum pump at 19%, and lighting at 6%.</p><p>Following a detailed on-site survey, the recommended system was a 30kW solar PV setup, paired with 15kWh of battery storage and a water heating diverter. This would require about 180 square metres of roof space, the equivalent of just over three spans of a standard 9-metre-wide shed.</p><p>The cost of the system came in at €64,276, including 13.5% VAT. Farmers can reclaim this VAT, which in this case was €7,645, reducing the net cost to €56,631. Applying the 60% SCIS grant to this balance shaved off €33,979, leaving a final net outlay of €22,640. Depending on the farmer’s tax rate, this cost could drop further thanks to the 100% year-one write-off: at the standard 20% income tax rate, the saving would be €4,528, reducing the outlay to €18,112; at the higher 40% rate, the saving would be €9,056, bringing the cost down to €13,584; for a farming company taxed at 12.5%, the saving would be €2,830, reducing the outlay to €19,810.</p><p>In terms of performance, the system was projected to generate 27,000 kWh per year, covering 59% of the farm’s annual electricity needs. With battery storage and the water heating diverter, the farm could use 65% of that energy on-site, saving about €6,142 per year. The remaining 35%, around 9,450 kWh, would be exported to the grid, earning approximately €1,512 annually at a rate of 16 cents per kWh.</p><p>When you add the on-site savings and the income from exports together, the annual benefit comes to around €7,654. Based on the net investment of €22,640, the payback period is just under three years, 2.95 years to be exact. This calculation doesn’t even account for financing costs or the ongoing tax benefits.</p><figure id="figure-ocxwdjpacrmeb9kij3" class=""><img id="ocxwdjpacrmeb9kij3" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/875237228/photo/my-farm-is-well-stocked.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=MAffHHueryiLOpW-1YePi2invo58vUzZRQK2sve4wfY=" alt="My farm is well-stocked" title="My farm is well-stocked" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/875237228/photo/my-farm-is-well-stocked.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=MAffHHueryiLOpW-1YePi2invo58vUzZRQK2sve4wfY=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Can Your Shed Roof Handle It?</h3><p>Panels weigh around 20–30 kg each, plus mounting gear. Older asbestos or fibre-cement roofs may need strengthening, so a structural engineer’s check is worth it before you commit.</p><h3>Getting Connected to the Grid</h3><p>Under ESB Networks’ simplified Mini-Generation process, single-phase supplies can install up to 17kW inverter capacity (around 22–25kWp in panels) while three-phase supplies can go up to 50kW inverter capacity (around 75kWp in panels). For microgeneration systems under 9kWp single-phase or 15kWp three-phase, the grid connection is free and straightforward with just an NC6 form. Larger systems require an NC7 form and a €1,000 technical assessment.</p><figure id="figure-j9tt858qaffmeb9m6ws" class=""><img id="j9tt858qaffmeb9m6ws" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1427648691/photo/solar-panel-installation-on-residential-house.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=1eYU66ff1Vx-uLmZ7NjvcxpIo_aD2iAfIserutyZkKY=" alt="Solar panel installation on residential house" title="Solar panel installation on residential house" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1427648691/photo/solar-panel-installation-on-residential-house.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=1eYU66ff1Vx-uLmZ7NjvcxpIo_aD2iAfIserutyZkKY=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>For Irish farms, shed-mounted solar is no longer a novelty, it’s a practical business decision. With the current grant rates, generous tax breaks, and a simpler planning system, the sums stack up. The RTÉ case shows how a well-sized, well-planned system can pay back in under three years, then keep delivering free power for decades. The key is to get solid advice, size it for your farm’s real needs, and work with suppliers who understand agriculture, not just rooftops. Done right, it’s one investment that pays back in both euros and resilience.</p><p><br data-mce-bogus="1"></p><p>*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.</p>

Everything Farmers Need to Know About Putting Solar Panels on Sheds

<h3>Introduction</h3><p>If you wanted proof that farming still pulls a crowd, you only had to be in Blueball last Sunday. The Butterfield Estate was heaving from the minute the gates opened, and by the end of the day more than 60,000 people had wandered through, that’s the population of a small city, all crammed into one site for one day. Stalls? Around 700 of them, covering everything from heavy machinery to handmade butter paddles. It had that rare mix of business and pleasure, the kind of event where you could price a new slurry tanker in the morning and end up tasting apple tart in the home industries tent after lunch.</p><figure id="figure-m98ak11qrnme8x4wjh" class=""><img id="m98ak11qrnme8x4wjh" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/26UEm4uYKyFs0qcoLRmIPSVk5yjKwraNMoH2VRi8AhOojNgh4V6oMyUB0d9DqzBQ.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/26UEm4uYKyFs0qcoLRmIPSVk5yjKwraNMoH2VRi8AhOojNgh4V6oMyUB0d9DqzBQ.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>A Yard Full of Pride</h3><p>The livestock rings never disappoint, and this year they were packed. Shorthorns with deep red coats, Holsteins polished to a high shine, Limousins broad and powerful, and Connemaras trotting out like they owned the place. One young handler led in a calf with such control you could see the hours that had gone into the training. There were over 5,000 competition entries across the whole show, from livestock to crafts, produce to fashion. For those who took home ribbons, it wasn’t just about bragging rights — a win at Tullamore can lift a breeder’s reputation and value for years.</p><figure id="figure-331pbzvoh7fme8x8nkq" class=""><img id="331pbzvoh7fme8x8nkq" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1736721044/photo/handler-shows-an-aberdeen-angus-cattle-cow-breed-at-an-agricultural-shows.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=eJdWsPTBGSAR3MLCpJGDoTlD46kQ9UjnR74mklYWZ3E=" alt="Handler shows an Aberdeen Angus cattle cow breed at an agricultural shows." title="Handler shows an Aberdeen Angus cattle cow breed at an agricultural shows." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1736721044/photo/handler-shows-an-aberdeen-angus-cattle-cow-breed-at-an-agricultural-shows.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=eJdWsPTBGSAR3MLCpJGDoTlD46kQ9UjnR74mklYWZ3E=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Young Farmers Stepping Forward</h3><p>With the average Irish farmer now around 59 years old, seeing younger faces was heartening. One story in particular stood out, Christopher Cahill from Cavan, who’s running a dairy herd in Westmeath through a shared farming arrangement. The landowner brings the land and facilities; Christopher owns the stock. It’s opened a door into farming without the crippling land purchase costs, and it’s working for both sides. Models like this might be one of the few real answers to Ireland’s succession problem, especially for those without a family farm to inherit.</p><figure id="figure-trwgr59tsdme8xdrfh" class=""><img id="trwgr59tsdme8xdrfh" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1dcvo3g7x1vl1KfiEXP3n8nXWXXDB9JHfNzKWZ1awNs44NwHJkZBcK2ndMhuPNsF.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1dcvo3g7x1vl1KfiEXP3n8nXWXXDB9JHfNzKWZ1awNs44NwHJkZBcK2ndMhuPNsF.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>&nbsp;Safety That Hits Home</h3><p>Storm Éowyn earlier this year left plenty of farms with trees down, and Farm Safety Live tackled the dangers head-on. The chainsaw safety demos had crowds three-deep. Jim Dockery from FRS Co-Op reminded everyone that a fallen tree can be just as dangerous as one still standing — hidden rot, internal strain, and weight shifts can make cutting unpredictable and deadly. His advice was blunt: if you’re not trained, leave the big stuff to the professionals. It was the sort of no-nonsense message that seemed to land with the audience.</p><figure id="figure-csswqcg5fnme8xepf2" class=""><img id="csswqcg5fnme8xepf2" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1776836527/photo/sign-on-a-field-gate-warning-people-not-to-enter-farmland-due-to-danger-to-life-from.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=wGbh2OyVsYfjJW6MpO5CFPAT3xnrSIDd8l26lHmmOPg=" alt="Sign on a field gate warning people not to enter farmland due to danger to life from livestock, and risk of bio-security breech." title="Sign on a field gate warning people not to enter farmland due to danger to life from livestock, and risk of bio-security breech." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1776836527/photo/sign-on-a-field-gate-warning-people-not-to-enter-farmland-due-to-danger-to-life-from.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=wGbh2OyVsYfjJW6MpO5CFPAT3xnrSIDd8l26lHmmOPg=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Sustainability in Real Terms</h3><p>The Sustainable Livestock Village wasn’t about theory — it was about practical changes that actually work. One stand showed how farmers had cut nitrogen use by 15–20% with better timing and soil pH balancing, and still kept grass yields steady. Another had clover-rich swards producing thicker, more nutritious pasture in just a few months. You could see farmers asking about costings, timelines, and whether these systems would suit their own land. This is where the conversation is moving — sustainability as part of the normal day-to-day, not an optional extra.</p><figure id="figure-r43tm5z3ikme8xfchm" class=""><img id="r43tm5z3ikme8xfchm" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1712796141/photo/wooden-block-with-environmental-law-icons-concept-of-international-law-environmental.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=891ouBc56CZL43qgQ3dJq0Q2JxywP5cTN3Ohe8CoDG0=" alt="Wooden block with environmental law icons. Concept of international law environmental protection, environmental impact assessment, Eco friendly law, eco balance, business corporate and industry." title="Wooden block with environmental law icons. Concept of international law environmental protection, environmental impact assessment, Eco friendly law, eco balance, business corporate and industry." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1712796141/photo/wooden-block-with-environmental-law-icons-concept-of-international-law-environmental.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=891ouBc56CZL43qgQ3dJq0Q2JxywP5cTN3Ohe8CoDG0=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Policy Talk Behind the Smiles</h3><p>Despite the sunshine and the crowds, there was serious talk going on in the background. CAP reforms, the Mercosur trade deal, and the nitrates derogation came up again and again. Tánaiste Simon Harris called farming “essential” and promised to keep fighting for a ring-fenced CAP budget. IFA President Francie Gorman warned that Mercosur could open the door to lower-standard beef imports, undermining Ireland’s 100,000 livestock farmers. You could hear those same concerns echoed in the quieter chats between farmers leaning on gates or standing by the livestock pens.</p><figure id="figure-6deo657x41me8xgugq" class=""><img id="6deo657x41me8xgugq" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2171183487/photo/green-meadows-of-ireland-with-mountain-views-of-killarney-co-kerry.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=9zRaBIAhOzwVfVH214Ny4Bd1nlGNpH06M7AU_QzdxaQ=" alt="Green meadows of Ireland with mountain views of Killarney, Co. Kerry" title="Green meadows of Ireland with mountain views of Killarney, Co. Kerry" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2171183487/photo/green-meadows-of-ireland-with-mountain-views-of-killarney-co-kerry.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=9zRaBIAhOzwVfVH214Ny4Bd1nlGNpH06M7AU_QzdxaQ=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>The Numbers That Stick</h3><p>It’s one thing to say the show was busy, but the numbers tell the real story: over 60,000 visitors, about 700 trade stands, and more than 5,000 competition entries in 2025. Ireland as a whole has 133,174 farms, averaging 34.7 hectares each, and over half specialise in beef. Nearly a quarter of all farms are in the West, which helps explain why Tullamore pulls such a strong crowd from that part of the country.</p><figure id="figure-c1o6o9lf3lme8xhxha" class=""><img id="c1o6o9lf3lme8xhxha" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2195928716/photo/cows.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Ne8at192wU3dDi2mEpa9b4PmUJDsZh5gRqxzYrXUhKk=" alt="Cows" title="Cows" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2195928716/photo/cows.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Ne8at192wU3dDi2mEpa9b4PmUJDsZh5gRqxzYrXUhKk=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>By the time the last cattle box had rolled off site and the final bit of litter was swept away, it was clear the Tullamore Show had been more than just a sunny day out. It was a reminder that Irish farming is still proud, still skilled, and still adapting — whether that’s younger farmers finding new ways in, stockmen keeping standards sky-high, or the whole sector holding its ground on policy. It’s not just a show; it’s proof that rural Ireland still knows how to show up, speak out, and keep moving forward.</p><p><br data-mce-bogus="1"></p><p>*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.</p>

Tullamore Show 2025: Celebrating Rural Ireland's Vibrant Spirit

Centrifugal fertiliser spreader agricultural machine

<h3>Introduction</h3><p>Some of the best-run farms we visit don’t have the latest kit or the biggest yards. What they do have is good systems, small setups that save time, make life easier, and keep things ticking without drama.</p><p>Funny thing is, a lot of those systems cost less than €500.</p><p>In a year when over 40% of Irish farms are being run by just one person, and margins are tighter than a half bale of silage net, that kind of money, used smartly, can make a big difference. Here’s what we’re seeing out there, time and time again, that’s working.</p><figure id="figure-di9wy2vnlkme1gs37s" class=""><img id="di9wy2vnlkme1gs37s" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/36RAFOqoSLRl66TMLt7KvXi9oJAD5dXSLvueV4VIS0XrMOn52B3Kz0YueZ07qdAL.jpeg" alt="irish farm tech" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/36RAFOqoSLRl66TMLt7KvXi9oJAD5dXSLvueV4VIS0XrMOn52B3Kz0YueZ07qdAL.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>1. Wheelbarrow-Style Creep Feeder (€400–€450)</h3><p>It mightn’t look like much, but these are lifesavers if you’re rearing calves. You can move them by hand, set them up in a minute, and top them off without dragging buckets across three paddocks.</p><p><strong>Why it works: </strong>No tipping tubs, no wasted feed, and no calves bullying each other at the trough. One farmer told us he cuts at least 3–4 hours off his week during peak calf season with one of these.</p><figure id="figure-gfgv4yho7sme1gwb8v" class=""><img id="gfgv4yho7sme1gwb8v" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/213h8IhkILyXjplzktSVJgrEtWvkCJqZVHSKp7YQ0Q7UnnFCnMvNSqwwtnQCm0uO.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/213h8IhkILyXjplzktSVJgrEtWvkCJqZVHSKp7YQ0Q7UnnFCnMvNSqwwtnQCm0uO.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>2. Battery-Powered Fencing Reels (€350–€450 all in)</h3><p>This one gets a nod from nearly every one-person farm we visit. A geared, battery-powered reel makes moving breaks quick and easy, especially in mucky fields or when you’re racing against time.</p><p><strong>Why it works: </strong>If you’re doing 15–20 breaks a week, and each one takes you 10 minutes instead of 3, that’s nearly 3 hours of extra time you’re losing, and that’s not even counting the tangles.</p><figure id="figure-n2eipazezme1h13qh" class=""><img id="n2eipazezme1h13qh" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1505581294/photo/electric-fencing-spools-of-wire.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=mk9mNiNADrVZdsTgHMOQ24i1hDezI0PGr3coN9fRHx8=" alt="Electric fencing spools of wire" title="Electric fencing spools of wire" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1505581294/photo/electric-fencing-spools-of-wire.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=mk9mNiNADrVZdsTgHMOQ24i1hDezI0PGr3coN9fRHx8=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>3. Tool Boards and Labelling (€100–€150)</h3><p>We’ve lost count of the sheds we’ve walked into where you need a map to find a spanner. A bit of OSB, some hooks, and labels can save you 30–45 minutes a day, especially when you’re working solo.</p><p><strong>Why it works: </strong>You’re not searching for that one tool buried under everything else. And when someone’s helping you out, they don’t have to ask where things go.</p><figure id="figure-esd382nbjmme1h2qwf" class=""><img id="esd382nbjmme1h2qwf" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1401389507/photo/vintage-garden-tools-hanging-on-a-whitewashed-wall.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=krNhI3LY4DNdwA6PfNiuAQTpgGTZLv6KVkCEDMTrVFw=" alt="Vintage garden tools hanging on a whitewashed wall" title="Vintage garden tools hanging on a whitewashed wall" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1401389507/photo/vintage-garden-tools-hanging-on-a-whitewashed-wall.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=krNhI3LY4DNdwA6PfNiuAQTpgGTZLv6KVkCEDMTrVFw=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>4. Meal Bin Beside the Parlour (€300–€500)</h3><p>Bulk bins are usually seen on bigger yards, but second-hand ones are turning up on more small farms lately. They’re being placed smartly, right where the feed is actually being used.</p><p><strong>Why it works:</strong> No more lugging bags from the shed. No backache. And if you batch out feed for the week, you’re looking at 10–15 minutes saved every milking, or more if you’re tight on help.</p><figure id="figure-2lwurbw79me1h5y4j" class=""><img id="2lwurbw79me1h5y4j" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/aSnjNzK3gq9v2TiPx7ZS7mBXJ2knnUY6uFzFZp8nZFJKex0JVf0qyjRqsFEG47Qu.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/aSnjNzK3gq9v2TiPx7ZS7mBXJ2knnUY6uFzFZp8nZFJKex0JVf0qyjRqsFEG47Qu.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>5. LED Motion Lights in the Yard (€250–€400)</h3><p>It’s one of the simplest fixes, but it makes all the difference. Being able to see properly when you’re checking stock or backing in a trailer at 5am? That’s gold.</p><p><strong>Why it works: </strong>Poor lighting causes a chunk of yard accidents, and those LED units last for years, cost very little to run, and don’t leave you fiddling for switches in the dark. Safer, faster, and one less thing to trip over.</p><figure id="figure-ylr8imb9yme1h76on" class=""><img id="ylr8imb9yme1h76on" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2194146461/photo/solar-powered-security-light-motion-detector-on-home-exterior.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=wNQHWL33I3Mt__6S3G3VuFCsppiwLuQE5g5_oVxFKds=" alt="Solar Powered Security light motion detector on Home Exterior" title="Solar Powered Security light motion detector on Home Exterior" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2194146461/photo/solar-powered-security-light-motion-detector-on-home-exterior.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=wNQHWL33I3Mt__6S3G3VuFCsppiwLuQE5g5_oVxFKds=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>6. First Aid + Fire Station (€100–€200)</h3><p>Still underused on too many farms. A visible, wall-mounted first aid setup in the workshop or parlour makes all the difference when something goes wrong, and it will, eventually.</p><p><strong>Why it works:</strong> In 2023 alone, over 4,000 farm accidents were reported to the HSA. Having the right gear on-hand, ready to go, makes treatment quicker and insurance inspections easier.</p><figure id="figure-dn08e32pr86me1h8api" class=""><img id="dn08e32pr86me1h8api" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/610217150/photo/equipment-for-first-aider-in-industrial-environment.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Q7t0ybMHmLHnOu0dBEXpf4kXBinGBLgOuXvpBtVwEjs=" alt="Equipment for first aider in industrial environment" title="Equipment for first aider in industrial environment" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/610217150/photo/equipment-for-first-aider-in-industrial-environment.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Q7t0ybMHmLHnOu0dBEXpf4kXBinGBLgOuXvpBtVwEjs=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>7. Calving Camera Linked to Your Phone (€200–€300)</h3><p>If you’ve ever paced the house all night, wondering whether to go back out to the shed, you’ll get this one. A barn camera with SIM or Wi-Fi saves trips, sleep, and often calves.</p><p><strong>Why it works: </strong>A farmer in Westmeath told us he saved four calves and one fractured wrist just by being able to keep tabs from the kitchen. It doesn’t replace a watchful eye, but it cuts the pressure by half.</p><figure id="figure-wgfsjvgtbome1h9lsc" class=""><img id="wgfsjvgtbome1h9lsc" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/824785202/photo/cctv-hanging-from-ceiling-with-insect-swarm.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=IR_SOncLOaGgICnJ4nIuMSYoJbBBeM2X125CIKaVcvc=" alt="CCTV hanging from ceiling with insect swarm" title="CCTV hanging from ceiling with insect swarm" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/824785202/photo/cctv-hanging-from-ceiling-with-insect-swarm.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=IR_SOncLOaGgICnJ4nIuMSYoJbBBeM2X125CIKaVcvc=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>You don’t need a grant to get your farm flowing better. Most of these fixes were spotted on smaller Irish farms run by one or two people, often juggling everything from grass measuring to school runs. They’re not fancy, but they work, and they pay for themselves fast.</p><p>If you're feeling like every job takes longer than it should, you're not the problem, your setup might just need a few tweaks. And sometimes, an outside eye helps spot the small stuff that's costing you big time.</p><p>If you want someone to walk the yard with you and look for those quiet wins, the ones under €500 that change your day-to-day, give us a ring. You don’t need a full rebuild. Just a few things done a bit smarter.</p><p><br data-mce-bogus="1"></p><p>*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.</p>

What We See on Irish Farms That Makes Everything Run Smoother (And Costs Under €500)

Sign on a field gate warning people not to enter farmland due to danger to life from livestock, and risk of bio-security breech.

<h3>Introduction</h3><p>Farming is still the most dangerous job in Ireland. We make up just 11% of the national workforce, yet farming accounts for nearly 40% of all workplace fatalities. Around 4,500 non-fatal accidents are reported each year on Irish farms and that’s only the ones logged.</p><p>Behind those numbers are broken legs on uneven paving, livestock injuries from faulty gates, or slurry-related close calls that never make the news. And while safety is often brushed off as common sense, it’s increasingly becoming an insurance issue too.</p><p>With more farms seeing rising premiums or tighter inspections, the message is clear: if you don’t control the risk, someone else will, and it’ll cost you.</p><p>But safety fixes don’t have to be expensive or complex. In fact, most of the improvements that make the biggest difference can be done in a few hours with materials you’ve already got or can pick up cheaply.</p><p>Here are five proven DIY safety wins, tailored to Irish farms, with clear costs, timelines, and insurance relevance, because what gets done is what’s practical.</p><figure id="figure-2jh8cvesmfmdyglsk7" class=""><img id="2jh8cvesmfmdyglsk7" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2158542816/photo/people-walking-through-the-farm-gate-on-a-walking-track-sheep-grazing-on-the-green-grass.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=H1XCeS3_IT8AdN69l93t9ZyccsC9j84Q2hRTaydVZDs=" alt="People walking through the farm gate on a walking track. Sheep grazing on the green grass. Duder Regional Park. Auckland." title="People walking through the farm gate on a walking track. Sheep grazing on the green grass. Duder Regional Park. Auckland." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2158542816/photo/people-walking-through-the-farm-gate-on-a-walking-track-sheep-grazing-on-the-green-grass.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=H1XCeS3_IT8AdN69l93t9ZyccsC9j84Q2hRTaydVZDs=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>1. Secure Livestock Gates Properly</h3><p>Damaged gates are one of the most common contributors to animal-related injuries. A recent walk of 20 Irish beef and dairy farms found over 45% of gates had alignment issues, bent latches, or loose hinges. These aren't just awkward, they’re dangerous.</p><p><strong>Fix it:</strong></p><ul><li>Replace a hinge pin (€10–€15) or add a new bolt-on latch (€20–€30).</li><li>Reinforce sagging posts with creosoted stakes or angle bracing.</li><li>If the gate’s gone beyond help, a second-hand galvanised one will set you back around €60–€100.</li></ul><p><br><strong>Time:</strong> 1–2 hours.<br><strong>Why it matters: </strong>Loose gates can lead to stock escapes or crush points. For insurers, unsecured handling areas suggest unmanaged liability, especially near roads or yards.</p><figure id="figure-85an6zd3fpmdygotif" class=""><img id="85an6zd3fpmdygotif" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1216423344/photo/occupiers-liability-act-1995-notice-sign-on-the-gate-of-a-farm-warning-that-unauthorised.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=58BvkepCjlfIex20Md_7agZtY0Tgn53tfghp63ivLhU=" alt="Occupiers Liability Act 1995 (Ireland) notice sign on the gate of a farm warning that unauthorised entry is prohibited." title="Occupiers Liability Act 1995 (Ireland) notice sign on the gate of a farm warning that unauthorised entry is prohibited." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1216423344/photo/occupiers-liability-act-1995-notice-sign-on-the-gate-of-a-farm-warning-that-unauthorised.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=58BvkepCjlfIex20Md_7agZtY0Tgn53tfghp63ivLhU=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>2. Improve Yard Visibility with Proper Lighting</h3><p>Many farmyards rely on a single flickering bulb outside the parlour or shed. But poor visibility is a key factor in over 70% of yard-based near misses, particularly in winter. Whether it's reversing machinery, shifting cattle, or just walking from one building to another, visibility saves time, and it prevents injury.</p><p><strong>Fix it:</strong></p><ul><li>Install motion-activated LED floodlights (€30–€50 each).</li><li>Add reflective tape to gates, posts and machine edges (€10–€20 total).</li><li>Trim back vegetation that blocks natural light.</li></ul><p><strong>Time:</strong> Half a day.<br><strong>Why it matters: </strong>Better lighting is one of the clearest signs of proactive risk control during an inspection. It also speeds up everyday tasks, especially during early mornings or late feeds.</p><figure id="figure-t5ixzm3iywmdygsgc6" class=""><img id="t5ixzm3iywmdygsgc6" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1984874786/photo/footpath-and-gate-illuminated-by-street-lamps-in-thick-fog-at-night-silhouette-of-beech-tree.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=s6f0sozxgOAKPYhkYVi7rrM_4BbRQDJL6cx0t2ZC2co=" alt="Footpath and gate illuminated by street lamps in thick fog at night. Silhouette of beech tree in Phoenix Park, Dublin" title="Footpath and gate illuminated by street lamps in thick fog at night. Silhouette of beech tree in Phoenix Park, Dublin" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1984874786/photo/footpath-and-gate-illuminated-by-street-lamps-in-thick-fog-at-night-silhouette-of-beech-tree.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=s6f0sozxgOAKPYhkYVi7rrM_4BbRQDJL6cx0t2ZC2co=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>3. Clearly Mark Slurry Agitation Points</h3><p>Slurry is silent, invisible, and deadly. Every year, lives are lost during agitation or in enclosed tanks, often without warning. Yet on many farms, these zones are unmarked and easily accessible to children, stock, and visitors.</p><p><strong>Fix it:</strong></p><ul><li>Add clear, laminated warning signs to tank edges and agitator points.</li><li>Use coloured rope, spray paint, or basic fencing to section off danger areas.</li><li>Keep gates or lids locked or chained when not in use.</li></ul><p><br><strong>Cost:</strong> €20–€40 depending on signage and barriers.<br><strong>Time:</strong> 1 hour.<br><strong>Why it matters:</strong> Slurry zones are one of the first places assessors look. Clear markings show you’re actively managing one of the most serious hazards on the farm.</p><figure id="figure-mu5k1wscllmdygxb61" class=""><img id="mu5k1wscllmdygxb61" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2197411309/photo/aerial-view-of-greenhouses-and-biogas-plant-in-agricultural-landscape.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=_xxfeADpgqY4p2I1U9RMrd6GoUxAXTST96IqcFtY_RA=" alt="Aerial view of greenhouses and biogas plant in agricultural landscape" title="Aerial view of greenhouses and biogas plant in agricultural landscape" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2197411309/photo/aerial-view-of-greenhouses-and-biogas-plant-in-agricultural-landscape.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=_xxfeADpgqY4p2I1U9RMrd6GoUxAXTST96IqcFtY_RA=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>4. Sort Out Trip Hazards Around the Yard</h3><p>Loose paving stones, old hoses, broken kerbs, we get used to them. But they’re behind a third of all non-fatal injuries on Irish farms. These incidents may not make headlines, but they still take farmers off their feet for days or weeks.</p><p><strong>Fix it:</strong></p><ul><li>Re-level slabs or broken paving using sand and cement (€5–€20).</li><li>Coil hoses and install wall hooks or reels (€10–€30).</li><li>Fill potholes with compacted hardcore or gravel (often already on-farm).</li></ul><p><br><strong>Time:</strong> 1–3 hours depending on the job.<br><strong>Why it matters: </strong>Insurers expect walkways and work areas to be kept clear. If you’ve had a previous claim related to a fall, not fixing these risks can push your premium up sharply.</p><figure id="figure-nvreqgs1vmdyh4w3k" class=""><img id="nvreqgs1vmdyh4w3k" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1136665213/photo/the-hole-in-the-road-asphalt-with-defects-dangerous-encounter-on-the-road.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=6UmlD1Vzrti02xbW8lqpUhDA39YRkJLZ6S9hv_crV-g=" alt="The hole in the road. Asphalt with defects. Dangerous encounter on the road." title="The hole in the road. Asphalt with defects. Dangerous encounter on the road." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1136665213/photo/the-hole-in-the-road-asphalt-with-defects-dangerous-encounter-on-the-road.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=6UmlD1Vzrti02xbW8lqpUhDA39YRkJLZ6S9hv_crV-g=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>5. Install Fire Extinguishers and First Aid Kits</h3><p>It sounds obvious, but many Irish farms still lack basic emergency equipment. Fires start fast in workshops or engine sheds. And the first 10 minutes after an accident often matter most. Yet these tools are cheap, easy to install, and rarely inspected.</p><p><strong>Fix it:</strong></p><ul><li>Mount a 2kg powder fire extinguisher in your workshop or dairy (€30–€50).</li><li>Place a first aid kit in a labelled, accessible location (€15–€30).</li><li>Include signage or instructions for family or staff.</li></ul><p><br><strong>Time:</strong> 30 minutes<br><strong>Why it matters:</strong> During a risk inspection, visible emergency equipment reduces liability, and shows you’re not just reacting, you’re prepared.</p><figure id="figure-x7malj3qobmdyha5je" class=""><img id="x7malj3qobmdyha5je" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/510585846/photo/carbon-dioxide-foam-powder-and-water.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=IhGv1AgCNvsbSQDZ0iGpouPPE0lwvDdhQ5PA-pTCHoI=" alt="Fire extinguishers: Carbon dioxide, Foam, Powder and Water" title="Fire extinguishers: Carbon dioxide, Foam, Powder and Water" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/510585846/photo/carbon-dioxide-foam-powder-and-water.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=IhGv1AgCNvsbSQDZ0iGpouPPE0lwvDdhQ5PA-pTCHoI=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Improving safety on the farm doesn’t mean rolling out a red carpet for the insurance company. It means protecting your body, your stock, your time, and your peace of mind. Every small fix builds towards a system that runs smoother and breaks down less often.</p><p>And while the costs of doing nothing don’t always show up straight away, when they do, it’s often too late.</p><p>If you’d like someone to walk your yard with a fresh set of eyes and help flag the high-risk, high-impact changes worth making, we’re happy to help. No clipboard nonsense, just practical advice that fits your setup.</p><p><br></p><p>*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.</p>

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