Blog

<h3>Introduction</h3><p>You can feel it in the mart yard and hear it over the wire. Talk to any beef farmer in Ireland today and it won’t be long before the same question crops up, "Is there still a future in sucklers, or is the game shifting to dairy beef?"</p><p>It’s not a simple answer, and there’s no magic formula. But it’s clear we’re standing in the middle of a quiet transition, and like all turning tides, not everyone’s sure which way to row.</p><figure id="figure-mipmssd98mbj6dzx2" class=""><img id="mipmssd98mbj6dzx2" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/1SJumZhKj6gUVzoSw1McszjTAKX3W0SFRy2tiJOuG2BpaHLuulO1gFL99jsNICWq.jpeg" alt="cattle farm" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/1SJumZhKj6gUVzoSw1McszjTAKX3W0SFRy2tiJOuG2BpaHLuulO1gFL99jsNICWq.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>The Suckler Decline – More Than Just Numbers</h3><p>Let’s not pretend this is breaking news. The national suckler herd has been decreasing for years, down to around 745,000 cows now, which is over 300,000 fewer than we had a decade ago. It’s happening farm by farm, stock sale by stock sale. Not always with a bang, sometimes with a quiet final calving and a gate that doesn’t get shut again.</p><p>Why? Because the sums don’t add up like they used to. You can be working 7 days a week, calving heifers in sideways rain, and still struggling to clear €200 a week after costs. That’s not a livelihood, that’s a legacy you’re trying to hold on to.</p><p>But don’t write the system off just yet. Good suckler-bred weanlings still get snapped up fast, especially if they’ve got frame, power, and come from farmers who know their breeding inside out. The demand is still there for the right animal, it’s more so the middle that’s getting squeezed.</p><figure id="figure-cy74jd0vcmbj6uhq3" class=""><img id="cy74jd0vcmbj6uhq3" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2166285519/photo/cows-grazing-on-lush-green-pasture-under-clear-blue-sky-in-daylight.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=vfPkozL45tXpdJqcNWoNhrSRpjh8llr2OLwG6gJw47s=" alt="Cows Grazing on Lush Green Pasture Under Clear Blue Sky in Daylight" title="Cows Grazing on Lush Green Pasture Under Clear Blue Sky in Daylight" 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/2166285519/photo/cows-grazing-on-lush-green-pasture-under-clear-blue-sky-in-daylight.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=vfPkozL45tXpdJqcNWoNhrSRpjh8llr2OLwG6gJw47s=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><h3>Dairy Calves Taking Centre Stage</h3><p>At the same time, dairy calf-to-beef has quietly become more than a side hustle. With dairy cow numbers up nearly 500,000 in the past 15 years, there’s a ready pipeline of calves. More farmers are seeing the value in taking these animals on and doing a proper job of rearing them, especially where there’s good grass and a head for figures.</p><p>DairyBeef500 has shown that with solid management, you can bring home margins north of €1,300 per hectare. Obviously, this is not easy money, you need to be sharp on health, grazing and finishing, but it’s real, doable, and increasingly attractive.</p><p>And here’s the clincher: it fits. It fits into systems where time and money are tight. It fits with our climate goals. And for younger farmers looking to make a start, it fits the bank manager’s appetite better than buying in suckler cows at €1,800 a head.</p><figure id="figure-i4r6f0nq0dmbj6y4ow" class=""><img id="i4r6f0nq0dmbj6y4ow" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/149209362/photo/freisian-daisy-cows.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=JgeriZQ1qfR5SAZ1ZwBfHRXiE9B2PbvFseFpiM7iD6s=" alt="Freisian daisy cows" title="Freisian daisy 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/149209362/photo/freisian-daisy-cows.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=JgeriZQ1qfR5SAZ1ZwBfHRXiE9B2PbvFseFpiM7iD6s=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Counting the Cost</h3><p>Nobody wants to feel like they’re abandoning tradition. But at the same time, you have to keep the lights on.</p><p>The Beef Welfare Scheme will pay €75 per calf, up to €3,375 per herd, which helps suckler farmers breathe a little easier. And if you’re finishing cattle, there’s decent value in the system right now, with weanling prices up 2% and store cattle up 4% on last year. But unless you’re hitting top-end premiums, it’s hard to make it all stretch.</p><p>On the dairy side, margins can be stronger, and the scale is more flexible. You don’t need to own a hundred acres. You just need to manage the ones you’ve got well. That’s the quiet appeal that’s pulling more farmers across.</p><figure id="figure-tj9auonktmbj71ofz" class=""><img id="tj9auonktmbj71ofz" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1301792115/photo/cows-on-a-sunny-hill-grazing-grass.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=xF0ipBA9jDJ4mYjBmzLDeC3C9i_1hywiAEFrYjSaI3o=" alt="Cows on a sunny hill grazing grass" title="Cows on a sunny hill grazing grass" 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/1301792115/photo/cows-on-a-sunny-hill-grazing-grass.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=xF0ipBA9jDJ4mYjBmzLDeC3C9i_1hywiAEFrYjSaI3o=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Sustainability and Consumer Preferences</h3><p>Now here’s something most lads don’t talk about at the mart, but it matters. Walk into any supermarket in Dublin or Hamburg and look at the beef labels. It’s all about sustainability, animal welfare, and carbon footprints. And believe it or not, people are willing to pay for it.</p><p>A 2024 study by PWC highlighted that over 60% of consumers say they’d spend more for sustainable food. Nearly half are happy to pay up to 10% extra for meat that ticks the right boxes. And 84% of meat buyers say animal welfare is a dealbreaker. A further study showed that a one-point boost in welfare standards could push prices up by 16.4% in some regions. That’s real leverage, if you can prove your system delivers the goods.</p><p>Dairy calf-to-beef systems, especially when grass-based, line up better with that message. They’re lower on emissions per kilo, more traceable, and align well with the climate goals Brussels keeps pushing. This isn't about greenwashing, it’s about being able to say that the way we rear our cattle actually fits the future.</p><figure id="figure-rm5w6j6animbj780bz" class=""><img id="rm5w6j6animbj780bz" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2187553919/photo/a-cows-on-a-green-pasture-on-a-sunny-spring-day-grazing-cows-on-a-dairy-farm-cattle-irish.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=73VdLLW5izXafeC_jqJ_--HtHjU9DQtYujDtPKoUmeA=" alt="A cows on a green pasture on a sunny spring day. Grazing cows on a dairy farm. Cattle. Irish agriculture, agricultural landscape. Animal husbandry. Herd of cow on grass field" title="A cows on a green pasture on a sunny spring day. Grazing cows on a dairy farm. Cattle. Irish agriculture, agricultural landscape. Animal husbandry. Herd of cow on grass 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="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2187553919/photo/a-cows-on-a-green-pasture-on-a-sunny-spring-day-grazing-cows-on-a-dairy-farm-cattle-irish.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=73VdLLW5izXafeC_jqJ_--HtHjU9DQtYujDtPKoUmeA=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Where the Wind Is Blowing</h3><p>Step back and look at Europe and beyond. In the UK, the prime cattle kill is forecasted to fall 5% this year. Across the EU, suckler herds are expected to shrink by another 7.5% by 2035. It’s not just us, this is something that's happening everywhere.</p><p>Retailers want predictability, processors want uniform carcasses, and policymakers want emissions down. That’s the direction of travel, whether we like it or not.</p><p>That doesn’t mean sucklers are dead in the water, but it does mean they’ll likely become more niche, geared towards quality weanling production, or tied into premium, high-welfare schemes. The space for middle-ground suckler operations is getting tighter by the year.</p><figure id="figure-blfdqsaef5mbj7bo6p" class=""><img id="blfdqsaef5mbj7bo6p" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/538355472/photo/shopping-for-raw-red-meat.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=a5NXVuGjbWYFgqr3SVAistCPDySVode41qRDQNbcZdk=" alt="Shopping for raw red meat" title="Shopping for raw red meat" 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/538355472/photo/shopping-for-raw-red-meat.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=a5NXVuGjbWYFgqr3SVAistCPDySVode41qRDQNbcZdk=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>So What Should You Do?</h3><p>Every farm is different, but if you’re standing in the yard wondering what your next move should be, ask yourself a few honest questions:</p><ul><li>Are your margins where they need to be?</li><li>Do you know what your buyers want next year—not just this year?</li><li>Are you set up to chase schemes and get paid for good practice?</li><li>And most of all: is the system working for you, or are you working to keep the system afloat?</li></ul><p><br>Because whatever direction the beef game heads in, it has to work for you, your land, and your life.</p><figure id="figure-jslk1bc7svmbj7ekyw" class=""><img id="jslk1bc7svmbj7ekyw" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/889095758/photo/wow-this-food-actually-tastes-good-this-time.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=rfqAKMVwfSOSF_A6dV_K_12Kz7b2Q0nALbEknRwZFsU=" alt="Wow this food actually tastes good this time" title="Wow this food actually tastes good this time" 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/889095758/photo/wow-this-food-actually-tastes-good-this-time.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=rfqAKMVwfSOSF_A6dV_K_12Kz7b2Q0nALbEknRwZFsU=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This isn’t about picking sides. It’s about survival, strategy, and staying ahead of the curve. Suckler beef has a proud place in Irish farming, but so does adapting. And if dairy calves can bring good beef, good margins, and a fairer balance of life and work, then maybe it’s not the wrong road. Just a different one.</p><p>Wherever you're standing now, whether you’re calving a 12-year-old cow in a storm or bottle-feeding a March-born Friesian in a poly-tunnel, know this: the future’s still wide open, and as always, it’ll be shaped by the people who show up and put the work in.</p><p><br data-mce-bogus="1"></p><p>*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.</p>

Suckler Beef vs. Dairy Calves: Market Trends and Future Outlook

Abandoned farm house in the hills on dark stormy day

<h3>Introduction&nbsp;</h3><p>You don’t need a structural engineer to tell you when a shed’s had its day. Maybe the roof’s rusted through, the doors don’t close right, and the gutters haven’t seen a decent clean since the last time Ireland qualified for a world cup. You know the feeling, walking through the yard and quietly avoiding eye contact with the walls. But that building might have housed three generations, calved countless heifers, or held up hay back when it was cut with a scythe. It’s more than just stone and steel. It’s memory.</p><p>Still, sentiment doesn’t stop a roof from collapsing. And for a lot of farmers now, the question is this: can I afford to fix this place—or is it time to start again?</p><figure id="figure-55cdenzrtfmbi7offe"><img id="55cdenzrtfmbi7offe" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1767362958/photo/derelict-farmhouse-and-farm-yard.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=jicsV-6J5oCavuEhO3Ff2knwPkZrhCcckbypLtBA7T0=" alt="Derelict farmhouse and farm yard" title="Derelict farmhouse and farm yard" 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/1767362958/photo/derelict-farmhouse-and-farm-yard.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=jicsV-6J5oCavuEhO3Ff2knwPkZrhCcckbypLtBA7T0=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Looking Around, Honestly</h3><p>Before diving into repairs or reconstructions, it's crucial to evaluate the condition of your existing structures. Teagasc, Ireland's Agriculture and Food Development Authority, provides advisory services to assist farmers in assessing their farm buildings. Their experts can offer guidance on safety standards, structural integrity, and potential improvements.</p><p>For instance, if you're considering conserving a traditional farm building, Teagasc offers insights into best practices and potential funding avenues.</p><figure id="figure-8xd5h0b26gmbi8gz1v" class=""><img id="8xd5h0b26gmbi8gz1v" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/472580830/photo/farm-in-the-burren-nature-reserve-ireland.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Yk1w8Kdx7n7-GdUiNtXxKMfD0EGpEx8FxvaN4zcGStQ=" alt="Farm in the Burren nature reserve, Ireland" title="Farm in the Burren nature reserve, 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/472580830/photo/farm-in-the-burren-nature-reserve-ireland.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Yk1w8Kdx7n7-GdUiNtXxKMfD0EGpEx8FxvaN4zcGStQ=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Grants and Schemes to Consider</h3><p><strong>1. Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme</strong><br>Managed by the Heritage Council in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, this scheme supports the conservation of traditional farm buildings and related structures. Grants cover up to 75% of the cost, with a maximum of €30,000. Eligible structures include roofs, walls, structural repairs, windows, doors, and historic yard surfaces.</p><p><strong>2. Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS)</strong><br>Administered by local authorities, BHIS offers grants ranging from €2,500 to €50,000 for the repair and conservation of protected structures. In 2025, the scheme allocated €8.1 million to 651 projects across Ireland.</p><p><strong>3. Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3)</strong><br>TAMS 3 encompasses several sub-schemes aimed at modernising farm infrastructure:</p><ul><li><strong>Farm Safety Capital Investment Scheme (FSCIS):</strong> Offers a 60% grant rate with a €90,000 investment ceiling for safety-related improvements.</li><li><strong>Animal Welfare and Nutrient Storage Scheme (AWNSS): </strong>Provides grants for slurry storage and animal housing enhancements.</li><li><strong>Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS): </strong>Supports the installation of solar panels, promoting renewable energy use on farms.</li></ul><p>For a comprehensive list of TAMS 3 schemes and their respective details, visit the Department of Agriculture's official page.</p><figure id="figure-nokrs3pclbmbi8iu2v" class=""><img id="nokrs3pclbmbi8iu2v" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1483018483/photo/abandoned-property-or-house-on-arranmore-island-republic-of-ireland-county-donegal-derelict.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=e4SPbaWG9ywo-U7xYkUV7EuipU1JDcXocj64_4Ui8Zg=" alt="Abandoned property or house on Arranmore island, Republic of Ireland County Donegal. Derelict or destitute home shows Irish rural depopulation problem - Arranmore island, County Donegal, Republic of Ireland" title="Abandoned property or house on Arranmore island, Republic of Ireland County Donegal. Derelict or destitute home shows Irish rural depopulation problem - Arranmore island, County Donegal, Republic 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/1483018483/photo/abandoned-property-or-house-on-arranmore-island-republic-of-ireland-county-donegal-derelict.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=e4SPbaWG9ywo-U7xYkUV7EuipU1JDcXocj64_4Ui8Zg=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>When to Repair and When to Rebuild</h3><p>Deciding whether to patch up a building or start from scratch isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about safety, cost, and practicality.</p><p><strong>Structural Integrity:</strong> Buildings with rotting timbers, cracks, or sagging roofs are more than eyesores—they’re hazards. In 2023, over 40% of inspected farmyards had structural issues flagged as critical risks. If the foundations are going, it may be safer—and smarter—to rebuild.</p><p><strong>Cost Implications:</strong> A quick repair might run €5,000, but if you're doing that every few years, it adds up. Replacing a typical four-bay steel shed costs around €25,000–€35,000. TAMS 3 can cover up to 60% of this if it’s for livestock or slurry storage—bringing costs down significantly.</p><p><strong>Heritage Value:</strong> If you’ve got an old stone shed or byre with character, it might be eligible for the Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme. In 2024, more than 90 farms received up to €30,000 each to restore traditional structures—keeping rural heritage alive.</p><p>A professional assessment from Teagasc or a conservation advisor can help weigh the options. Sometimes a good fix is enough. Other times, starting fresh saves time, money, and headaches down the line.</p><figure id="figure-mzfm03h88imbi8k66r" class=""><img id="mzfm03h88imbi8k66r" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/172912235/photo/ireland-series.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=YL2Jz7lYUJ6CtJ3d2JgkZ67xtmIb7LmtH_kRDAh_FW4=" alt="Ireland Series" title="Ireland Series" 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/172912235/photo/ireland-series.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=YL2Jz7lYUJ6CtJ3d2JgkZ67xtmIb7LmtH_kRDAh_FW4=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Steps to Take</h3><p>1. <strong>Assessment:</strong> Engage with Teagasc or a qualified consultant to evaluate your farm structures.<br>2. <strong>Research Grants:</strong> Identify which grants or schemes align with your needs.<br>3. <strong>Application:</strong> Prepare and submit applications, ensuring all required documentation is in order.<br>4. <strong>Implementation:</strong> Once approved, commence the repair or reconstruction work, adhering to the guidelines stipulated by the grant providers.</p><h3>Useful Resources</h3><p>1. Teagasc Advisory Services: <a href="http://www.teagasc.ie" data-mce-href="http://www.teagasc.ie">www.teagasc.ie</a>&nbsp;<br>2. Heritage Council – Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme: <a href="http://www.heritagecouncil.ie" data-mce-href="http://www.heritagecouncil.ie">www.heritagecouncil.ie</a>&nbsp;<br>3. Department of Agriculture – TAMS 3: <a href="http://www.gov.ie" data-mce-href="http://www.gov.ie">www.gov.ie</a>&nbsp;<br>4. Built Heritage Investment Scheme: <a href="http://www.gov.ie" data-mce-href="http://www.gov.ie">www.gov.ie</a>&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.</p>

Reviving a Farmyard: Grants, Repairs, and Strategic Decisions

<h3>Introduction</h3><p>Farming in Ireland has always meant more than just producing food. It’s identity, memory, place. You’ll hear people talk about “working the land” like it’s something sacred, and for good reason. The fields aren’t just green patches, they hold your name, your father’s stories, and your mother’s warnings about east winds and stubborn heifers.</p><p>The land is part of us. Even when the cheques don’t add up and the work breaks your back, the roots run deep.</p><figure id="figure-auk6q1mb4qmbi5i99q"><img id="auk6q1mb4qmbi5i99q" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/964493270/photo/rolling-scottish-countryside.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=XO6Dk5ly4g1X5GgTn78gQRXqwL9CEkfqQTwzamf2lTI=" alt="Rolling Scottish Countryside" title="Rolling Scottish Countryside" 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/964493270/photo/rolling-scottish-countryside.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=XO6Dk5ly4g1X5GgTn78gQRXqwL9CEkfqQTwzamf2lTI=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>The Land Means More Than Acreage</h3><p>Ask someone in Mayo, Kerry or Cavan where they’re from, and chances are they’ll name the townland before the town. These aren’t just map points, they're mini histories. Land divisions older than the parish, carried in names that tell you where the ash trees grew, where the stream ran strong, or who lived there five generations back.</p><p>And that inheritance isn’t just legal, it’s emotional. A 10-acre plot in west Clare might never make you rich, but if it’s been in the family since Famine times, it’s priceless.</p><p>You see it at auctions too. The fella who outbids the neighbour not because he needs the land, but because it “should stay in the family.” Or the daughter who moves home to run the place because no one else will. Farming is one of the last parts of Irish life where place and pride still walk hand in hand.</p><figure id="figure-asui24t4dombi6gbmy" class=""><img id="asui24t4dombi6gbmy" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/874139350/photo/early-autumn-countryside-morning-northern-ireland.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=r8Zz1_msjramDLEUSqtC7bjNx805q0y-ACQdLtu3DsY=" alt="Early Autumn countryside morning,Northern Ireland" title="Early Autumn countryside morning,Northern 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/874139350/photo/early-autumn-countryside-morning-northern-ireland.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=r8Zz1_msjramDLEUSqtC7bjNx805q0y-ACQdLtu3DsY=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Language You Feel in Your Bones</h3><p>You don’t need to speak fluent Gaeilge to hear the Irish in farming. It’s in the way people speak of land “resting,” of “giving it back to itself” for a year. It’s in the placenames, like An Poll Mór (The Big Hole), or Cnocán na gCaorach (The Little Hill of the Sheep). These aren’t just pretty turns of phrase, they’re working language, functional poetry.</p><p>Even the Irish words for farming tools have a certain heft to them. The “sleán” for cutting turf. The “tuairim” used to guess a cow’s due date. In many Gaeltacht areas, Irish remains the working language of the land. You’ll still hear people in Connemara or Dún Chaoin shouting directions in Irish while loading cattle, or cursing the wind with a fluency schoolbooks could only dream of.</p><p>It’s living language, not for show, but for work. And where it still exists, it holds something precious.</p><figure id="figure-s4mpfq6a2imbi6j1ij" class=""><img id="s4mpfq6a2imbi6j1ij" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1085374700/photo/do-you-speak-irish.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=owkachUEDYdZPqA_tLmRPNdw6ByXspUUvAZ_1RNpINY=" alt="Do you speak Irish (An bhfuil Gaeilge agat)" title="Do you speak Irish (An bhfuil Gaeilge agat)" 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/1085374700/photo/do-you-speak-irish.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=owkachUEDYdZPqA_tLmRPNdw6ByXspUUvAZ_1RNpINY=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Farming Isn’t Just Work—It’s Rhythm</h3><p>Remember when the whole parish turned out for the silage? Or when the threshing machine did the rounds and the day ended with sandwiches, pints and someone singing “The Fields of Athenry”? Those weren’t just jobs getting done, they were cultural moments.</p><p>Even now, the agri-calendar still underpins life in the countryside. The Ploughing Championships bring in over 300,000 people each year. That’s not just a trade show, it’s a social gathering, a tradition, a statement that rural life still matters.</p><p>Then there’s the mart. You’ll find more local news, matchmaking and philosophy in an hour at the ringside in Tuam or Bandon than in any national paper. There’s a cadence to it all, the low talk, the handshakes, the quick mental maths before the hammer falls. These aren’t just traditions, they’re community glue.</p><figure id="figure-rik2tsxbc5mbi6kxgt" class=""><img id="rik2tsxbc5mbi6kxgt" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/183050455/photo/cattle-market.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=kEN_OLqhcTgzsEofSOiz2HEG7qhP9Y8jXkbSdh-AF60=" alt="cattle market" title="cattle market" 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/183050455/photo/cattle-market.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=kEN_OLqhcTgzsEofSOiz2HEG7qhP9Y8jXkbSdh-AF60=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>More Than a Job</h3><p>When a farmer says “I’m only part-time now,” they often say it with guilt, as though they’re letting the side down. But even those driving buses, working in shops or fixing tractors still call themselves farmers first. Because it’s not just about what you do, it's who you are.</p><p>Look at farm sheds: they’re museums of memory. Old gates kept “in case they’re needed.” Rusted cream cans no one can throw out. The half-finished job that got paused because of calving, and somehow never got finished. It’s all part of it.</p><p>And even the quiet moments, bringing in turf from the bog, folding meal bags, walking the field at dusk with the dog, those are as much about mental grounding as physical work. Farming shapes how you see time, how you raise your children, even how you bury your dead. It’s cultural, through and through.</p><figure id="figure-xxkrdt8w8mbi6plzt" class=""><img id="xxkrdt8w8mbi6plzt" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/969653376/photo/farmyard-and-sheds.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=OTrueJ8BF0e6Oo7iIHy0bUyOMx_7vaVLRFVFMJQGuIo=" alt="farmyard and sheds" title="farmyard and sheds" 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/969653376/photo/farmyard-and-sheds.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=OTrueJ8BF0e6Oo7iIHy0bUyOMx_7vaVLRFVFMJQGuIo=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>What’s at Stake</h3><p>When the smaller farms vanish, we lose more than output. We lose storytellers. We lose field names. We lose the way Granny used to mark sheep with red raddle and call it “painting them for the fair.” We lose the reasons why a stretch of boreen was called “the Priest’s Turn” or “Maggie’s Wall”. We risk a countryside that’s functional, but hollow. Productive, but heartless.</p><p>That’s not to say things shouldn’t change, of course they should, but we need to mind what matters along the way. Not just preserve it in glass cases, but let it breathe.</p><figure id="figure-46zt5pl66mbi6roqh" class=""><img id="46zt5pl66mbi6roqh" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/910581600/photo/antrim-coast-ireland.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=225UmEA28ciWL2qQXXyrBIoH1c_vrGFWemSLYqHuULE=" alt="Antrim Coast, Ireland" title="Antrim Coast, 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/910581600/photo/antrim-coast-ireland.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=225UmEA28ciWL2qQXXyrBIoH1c_vrGFWemSLYqHuULE=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>In the rush to modernise, digitise, and monetise farming, we can’t forget what’s already here—living, breathing culture under our feet. Every laneway walked, every beast reared, every story told at the mart, it all adds up to something worth holding onto.</p><p>Farming in Ireland is more than economy. It’s memory. It’s language. It’s a way of seeing the world. And it’s worth fighting for, not just for what it produces, but for what it protects.</p><p><br data-mce-bogus="1"></p><p>*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.</p>

The Cultural Role of Farming in Irish Identity: Land, Language, and Livelihood

Field of ripe barley ready for harvesting

<h3>Introduction</h3><p>Ask any farmer what's keeping them up at night, and you’ll probably get a similiar answer, feed costs. It's the thing that quietly gnaws at margins, changes calving plans, and decides whether you go for another load this month or try and stretch what you’ve got.</p><p>The days of reasonably priced, reliable feed are behind us may be behind us. In the last few years, we've seen prices yo-yo like never before. In 2024 alone, feed prices jumped by over 15% across the board, partly due to transport costs, partly to inflation, and a lot to do with our reliance on imported protein. It’s no wonder people are questioning how long this model can last.</p><p>But here’s where it gets interesting. Instead of just tightening belts, people are thinking bigger. What if we didn’t have to depend on soy from halfway across the world? What if we could feed animals using materials we already produce, locally, cheaply, and sustainably?</p><figure id="figure-6hdwx25xjmbi4qk5h" class=""><img id="6hdwx25xjmbi4qk5h" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2212613809/photo/group-of-cows-in-a-barn.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=d_YC_KWaSfwK1rSmBJs57P1KKu1BZKIFT0mhbPueEqo=" alt="Group of cows in a barn." title="Group of cows in a barn." 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/2212613809/photo/group-of-cows-in-a-barn.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=d_YC_KWaSfwK1rSmBJs57P1KKu1BZKIFT0mhbPueEqo=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>What’s Wrong With Soy?</h3><p>Soy’s been the go-to for decades, especially for pig and poultry units. It’s reliable, protein-rich, and fairly consistent. But it’s not without baggage. Ireland imports tens of thousands of tonnes of soy each year, most&nbsp; of it from Brazil and Argentina. That’s a long way for a feedstuff to travel, and the environmental cost is steep. Over 20 million hectares of South American forests have been cleared for soy production in the last three decades. And with the EU now tightening rules around deforestation-linked imports, the price of “clean” soy is only going one way—up.</p><p>It’s not just about emissions either. Every time a cargo ship is delayed or tariffs change, Irish farmers get hit. This isn’t just an environmental issue, it’s a food security one.</p><figure id="figure-iq9kznnzsxmbi4s0cm" class=""><img id="iq9kznnzsxmbi4s0cm" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1611922462/photo/aerial-view-of-river-in-the-green-mangroves-forestand-and-limestone-hill-in-phang-nga-bay.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=pDppO68YnzcTP7P6bycI8OA3R216MLKbArXfPigz7Ts=" alt="Aerial view of river in the green mangroves forestand and limestone hill in Phang nga bay, Thailand." title="Aerial view of river in the green mangroves forestand and limestone hill in Phang nga bay, Thailand." 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/1611922462/photo/aerial-view-of-river-in-the-green-mangroves-forestand-and-limestone-hill-in-phang-nga-bay.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=pDppO68YnzcTP7P6bycI8OA3R216MLKbArXfPigz7Ts=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Brewery Waste: From Pints to Protein</h3><p>Now, here’s something that could only happen in Ireland. Down in Cork, researchers at UCC have been turning brewery waste, specifically, the leftover liquid from brewing, into animal feed.</p><p>They’re using microbial fermentation to convert this nutrient-rich by-product into high-protein biomass suitable for cattle, pigs, and poultry. Early trials show that the protein levels are comparable to soy, but with a much smaller carbon footprint. Plus, it’s made right here at home.</p><p>Considering the scale of our drinks industry, there’s no shortage of supply. Just one large brewery produces thousands of litres of this liquid waste every week. Instead of dumping it, we could be feeding animals—and cutting down on imports while we’re at it.</p><figure id="figure-dpbohyqtembi4yf15" class=""><img id="dpbohyqtembi4yf15" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1471957652/photo/1980s-old-positive-film-scanned-long-hall-and-clock-tower-of-university-college-cork-county.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=6w2dDiFY1btC_npoBKu7doVWHsmryWq3lWQ-JniA9OU=" alt="1980s old Positive Film scanned, Long Hall and Clock Tower of University College Cork, County Cork, Ireland" title="1980s old Positive Film scanned, Long Hall and Clock Tower of University College Cork, County Cork, 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/1471957652/photo/1980s-old-positive-film-scanned-long-hall-and-clock-tower-of-university-college-cork-county.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=6w2dDiFY1btC_npoBKu7doVWHsmryWq3lWQ-JniA9OU=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Insects: The Future with Six Legs</h3><p>It may sound mad, but insect protein is fast becoming a serious player. Black soldier fly larvae, in particular, can convert food waste into a protein-rich meal in under two weeks. And they do it using very little land, water, or energy.</p><p>The European insect protein market is now worth over €1.2 billion and is expected to grow at over 30% annually through to 2034. In Ireland, several pilot projects are already underway, especially for pig and poultry diets where protein demand is high and margins are tight.</p><p>The benefits? You get local protein, less food waste, and a product that can be processed into pellets just like traditional meal. It's early days yet, but the potential’s there, and the science is moving fast.</p><figure id="figure-2sw2fse8pmbi50u8i" class=""><img id="2sw2fse8pmbi50u8i" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1084970646/photo/cricket-powder-insect-for-eating-as-food-items-made-of-cooked-insect-meat-in-bowl-and-wood.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=BCbTEdwA5bOfOXaUYR7ZNpHa5qIuycnOs468MNeGZw8=" alt="Cricket powder insect for eating as food items made of cooked insect meat in bowl and wood spoon on white background it is good source of protein edible for future. Entomophagy concept." title="Cricket powder insect for eating as food items made of cooked insect meat in bowl and wood spoon on white background it is good source of protein edible for future. Entomophagy 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/1084970646/photo/cricket-powder-insect-for-eating-as-food-items-made-of-cooked-insect-meat-in-bowl-and-wood.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=BCbTEdwA5bOfOXaUYR7ZNpHa5qIuycnOs468MNeGZw8=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Seaweed: Ireland’s Salty Superfeed</h3><p>Here’s something that’s close to home, and close to shore. Seaweed, especially brown species like Ascophyllum nodosum, is showing serious potential in livestock diets.</p><p>Not only is it high in minerals and vitamins, but some trials have shown that feeding small amounts of seaweed to cattle can reduce methane emissions by up to 30%. That’s massive. With agriculture making up over 35% of Ireland’s total greenhouse gas emissions, solutions like this aren’t fringe, they’re essential.</p><p>In 2024, Ireland harvested over 50.5 tonnes of cultivated seaweed. And the market is growing, currently valued at over €45 million annually. Whether it’s as a supplement, a silage additive, or even part of daily rations, seaweed is fast becoming more than just something that clogs the quad tyres at low tide.</p><figure id="figure-avdksvicd9mbi52jtp" class=""><img id="avdksvicd9mbi52jtp" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2208977203/photo/a-peaceful-and-picturesque-calm-seascape-featuring-a-historic-tower-alongside-a-vibrant-green.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Z1Moiq1aKze45FHJY4fMIWC7O63i2HR4uGDc-UAdez4=" alt="A peaceful and picturesque calm seascape featuring a historic tower alongside a vibrant green seaweedfilled coastline" title="A peaceful and picturesque calm seascape featuring a historic tower alongside a vibrant green seaweedfilled coastline" 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/2208977203/photo/a-peaceful-and-picturesque-calm-seascape-featuring-a-historic-tower-alongside-a-vibrant-green.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Z1Moiq1aKze45FHJY4fMIWC7O63i2HR4uGDc-UAdez4=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Duckweed: The Pond Plant With Punch</h3><p>Duckweed might look like scum on a pond, but it's actually punching above its weight in feed research. It grows rapidly in wastewater, absorbs excess nutrients, and contains up to 40% protein, similar to soy.</p><p>UCC and Teagasc are collaborating on the Duck-Feed Project, looking at how this tiny green plant could be scaled up to supply Irish farmers with home-grown protein. The bonus? It cleans up slurry and wastewater while it grows. Double win.</p><p>If it takes off, duckweed could play a key role in reducing nitrogen loss, improving water quality, and giving small farms another tool in the toolbox.</p><figure id="figure-6j1kjw0srcmbi54b83" class=""><img id="6j1kjw0srcmbi54b83" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1035044768/photo/natural-green-duckweed-on-the-water-background-or-texture.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=OJb36FvuSAzmxAopjNX5SS6fIUG9Rv8l6VUmcWQ08SU=" alt="Natural Green Duckweed on The water,background or texture." title="Natural Green Duckweed on The water,background or texture." 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/1035044768/photo/natural-green-duckweed-on-the-water-background-or-texture.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=OJb36FvuSAzmxAopjNX5SS6fIUG9Rv8l6VUmcWQ08SU=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Irish farmers have always been good at working with what’s available; fixing with wire, borrowing a calf-crate, making do. These new feed ideas are just a modern version of that same resourcefulness.</p><p>Whether it’s turning brewery dregs into beef, feeding chickens with bugs, or giving cows a sprinkle of seaweed, the feed shed of the future might not look like the one we grew up with. And maybe that’s a good thing.</p><p>We can’t keep depending on feed from thousands of miles away. We’ve the science, the land, and the waste streams to do it differently. And with prices the way they are, maybe it’s time to look in the bin—not the boat—for what’s next.</p><p><br data-mce-bogus="1"></p><p>*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.</p>

From Barley to Brewery Waste: Rethinking Animal Feed in Ireland

A Mother and her Daughter are Joyfully Enjoying Natures Beautiful View on this Cloudy Day together

<h3>Introduction</h3><p>It’s just after 8am, the cattle are fed, the kids are half-dressed for school, and you’ve ten minutes to eat something before the drive to work. It’s not glamorous, it’s not leisurely, but it’s life for a growing number of Irish farmers today.</p><p>The part-time farmer isn’t a passing phase. It’s fast becoming the face of modern agriculture. Nearly 60% of farmers now rely on some form of off-farm income just to keep things afloat. And while that might surprise some, for those living it, it’s simply what has to be done.</p><figure id="figure-07kquyswhoqkmbhzchn9" class=""><img id="07kquyswhoqkmbhzchn9" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1280326649/photo/father-sharing-farm-experience-with-son.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=x2WaHOSOXLpgH46wmUtNKvad-T04IdaHsl-2NeQUSrc=" alt="Father sharing farm experience with son" title="Father sharing farm experience with son" 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/1280326649/photo/father-sharing-farm-experience-with-son.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=x2WaHOSOXLpgH46wmUtNKvad-T04IdaHsl-2NeQUSrc=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Farming Doesn’t Always Pay the Bills Anymore</h3><p>Farming, especially on small or family-run places, often isn’t enough to keep things going on its own anymore. Incomes have taken a serious hit in recent years. For a lot of farmers, what used to be a full-time livelihood now barely brings in €20,000 a year, and that’s before you deal with the rest of life’s costs.</p><p>Fertiliser prices more than doubled not so long ago. Feed costs went up. Everything from diesel to fencing has crept higher. Even with some prices coming down a bit, the damage was already done. Add in unpredictable weather and tighter rules, and even the best-run farms are feeling the squeeze.</p><p>It’s no surprise then that nearly half of all farmers now have jobs off the land-driving school buses, working in shops, fixing machinery, or pulling pints in the local in the evening. It’s not about walking away from farming. It’s about holding it all together, doing what needs to be done to keep the place running and the lights on. Because right now, farming alone often just doesn’t cut it.</p><figure id="figure-5l92aqzhwcmbhzcp5e"><img id="5l92aqzhwcmbhzcp5e" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/875237252/photo/farmland-landscape.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=kNqA15onh73v14szHmwctLxPcdic28Ne8Rey7gBw4s4=" alt="Farmland landscape" title="Farmland 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/875237252/photo/farmland-landscape.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=kNqA15onh73v14szHmwctLxPcdic28Ne8Rey7gBw4s4=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>The Mental Load: Invisible, But Heavy</h3><p>There's a silent weight that comes with this kind of life. It’s the exhaustion that creeps in when you’re constantly “on the go”, with no clean cut between jobs. The worry of being stretched too thin, of not doing enough on the farm, in the workplace, at home.</p><p>Many part-time farmers don’t feel seen. They're not at the mart as much, not at meetings, often missing out on schemes or updates. And that invisibility can gnaw away at you, especially when your role in the agri-community starts to feel conditional.</p><p>Let’s be honest, the toll is real. Mentally, physically, emotionally. This isn’t just a financial balancing act, it’s a personal one, too.</p><figure id="figure-0sm3e1aaxbmbhzpkxq" class=""><img id="0sm3e1aaxbmbhzpkxq" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/92024115/photo/irish-farmer-with-cows.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=6HlkTste4t-YwUuGZdTeCELUU64fRigDpldrsfLcab4=" alt="Irish Farmer with Cows" title="Irish Farmer with 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/92024115/photo/irish-farmer-with-cows.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=6HlkTste4t-YwUuGZdTeCELUU64fRigDpldrsfLcab4=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Time Isn’t Just Money—It’s the Biggest Struggle of All</h3><p>For many part-time farmers, the biggest resource in short supply isn’t money, it’s time. When you’re working off-farm all day and farming in the margins—early mornings, late evenings, weekends—you’re constantly racing the clock. Routine jobs like dosing, fencing or moving cattle become logistical puzzles. A vet visit has to be booked around work shifts. Machinery breakdowns don’t care about deadlines.</p><p>It’s not just physical exhaustion, it’s mental overload. Planning becomes a constant juggling act, where one small disruption can set everything off course. And all too often, something has to give—be it social life, self-care, or sleep.</p><p>It’s not about poor planning or laziness. It’s about being caught in a system that demands full-time input from farmers who can’t afford to give it. Until we start designing policies and supports that reflect that reality, we’ll keep losing good people to burnout and breakdown.</p><figure id="figure-3xn0vbszljmbhztky3" class=""><img id="3xn0vbszljmbhztky3" 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>Family Life on the Margins</h3><p>When farming becomes a second job, family time often becomes the third. Weekends turn into catch-up sessions—repairs, paperwork, meal prepping for the week ahead. Evenings are a blur of homework, stock checks, and making sure everyone has clean socks for the morning. There’s little room for rest, never mind spontaneity.</p><p>The guilt can be fierce, missing matches, skipping school pickups, forgetting anniversaries. It’s not that farmers don’t care. It’s that the clock never stops, and something always needs doing. Farming has always been a family affair, but for part-time farmers, family life can end up running on leftovers, leftover time, leftover energy, leftover attention.</p><p>Still, the love for the land runs deep. And many keep going not in spite of their family, but because of them, holding out hope that one day, the balance might tilt back in their favour.</p><figure id="figure-nadkhvm3dmbhzxsrr" class=""><img id="nadkhvm3dmbhzxsrr" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1393090476/photo/shepherd-placing-newborn-lamb-in-a-trailer-sussex-uk.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=BoaWLoZRjTEztkz47cekG3CfZ1LA2ARP6fZ_eX1_XBE=" alt="Shepherd placing newborn lamb in a trailer, Sussex UK" title="Shepherd placing newborn lamb in a trailer, Sussex UK" 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/1393090476/photo/shepherd-placing-newborn-lamb-in-a-trailer-sussex-uk.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=BoaWLoZRjTEztkz47cekG3CfZ1LA2ARP6fZ_eX1_XBE=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Part-time farming isn’t failure, it’s resilience. It’s doing what needs to be done to keep the place going, the family cared for, and the lights on. But that constant juggling comes at a cost; physically, mentally, emotionally. Many farmers are burning out quietly, feeling invisible and stretched to breaking point. If that sounds familiar, know this: you’re not alone, and you don’t have to carry it all in silence.</p><p>Talk to someone. Reach out to family, friends, a colleague, or us here at the Informed Farmer. Support is there, and asking for it is a sign of strength, not weakness.</p><p>You’re not just running a farml, you’re carrying a future, and that deserves to be recognised.</p><p><br></p><p>*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.</p>

The Rise of Part-Time Farming: Juggling Farm, Family, and Careers

the concept of processing the cultivation of an agricultural field with automated machinery with a tractor based on artificial intelligence. collection and transmission of data to optimize energy costs and increase yields

<h3>Introduction</h3><p>Picture this, it’s 2040 and you’re standing at the gate with a flask in hand, looking out over the land. The field still looks the same, but everything around it has changed, quietly, steadily, and sometimes in ways you didn’t see coming. There’s a drone checking pasture condition, your tractor is booked in for a software update, and your son’s just asked if you’ve considered growing seaweed. Welcome to the future of farming.</p><p>We’re not here to talk about flying cows or robot butlers, instead, we’re here to talk about some of the real shifts already reshaping farming life in Ireland, and where we’re heading if we want to keep the lights on, the animals healthy, and the land in good heart.</p><figure id="figure-sq1bbp6glmbhwmjqi"><img id="sq1bbp6glmbhwmjqi" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1302537648/photo/future-environmental-conservation-and-sustainable-esg-modernizat.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=2aFJphZ0VK68gPyl7cHtbDwb6tSPBroGih3734yig5k=" alt="Future environmental conservation and sustainable ESG modernizat" title="Future environmental conservation and sustainable ESG modernizat" 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/1302537648/photo/future-environmental-conservation-and-sustainable-esg-modernizat.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=2aFJphZ0VK68gPyl7cHtbDwb6tSPBroGih3734yig5k=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Global Trade</h3><p>For decades, Irish farmers have relied on strong export markets, especially to the EU, the UK, and the US. But that world is wobbling and tariffs, political tensions, and carbon border taxes are shaking the foundations. Just last year, new US tariffs on EU food imports threw key Irish exports like butter, cheese, and whiskey into chaos. It’s a reminder that what happens in Washington or Brussels doesn’t stay there, it hits your bottom line on a soggy Tuesday in Roscommon.</p><p>By 2040, global food trade will be tighter, not looser. Countries will protect their own supplies, and food miles will come under more scrutiny than ever. Ireland’s agri-food reputation still holds strong—but to stay competitive, we’ll need to prove not just quality, but sustainability, traceability and fairness.</p><p>That means knowing your carbon footprint. It means being able to say, hand on heart, “this product fed people, protected soil, and left no one behind.”</p><p><br></p><figure id="figure-qibub7yjosmbhwmy4t"><img id="qibub7yjosmbhwmy4t" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/178463866/photo/foods.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=6rz0emUP4WDlD7AXSgOo3_pshcCvBBpUPYuRk68lE9E=" alt="foods" title="foods" 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/178463866/photo/foods.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=6rz0emUP4WDlD7AXSgOo3_pshcCvBBpUPYuRk68lE9E=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Climate Breakdown</h3><p>Ask any farmer and they’ll tell you that the weather’s not what it used to be. Fields that were once reliable are now drowning in winter or bone-dry in June, calving seasons are unpredictable, spreading windows are tighter, and storms are stronger.</p><p>Farming now accounts for over a third of Ireland’s total greenhouse gas emissions and if we want to stay farming in 2040, we’ll need to farm differently. Thankfully, some changes are already showing promise. Agricultural emissions in Ireland dropped by nearly 5% in the last year alone, with more farmers moving towards lower nitrogen fertilisers, mixed swards, and regenerative practices. And that’s where we need to lean in.</p><p>By 2040, carbon will be as important as cattle. Knowing how much your land is storing, or leaking, will influence everything from grants to market access. Hedgerows, cover crops, low-emission slurry spreading, won’t be seen as “green extras”, they’ll be core to the job.</p><figure id="figure-1x65x65xlmbhy2jwd" class=""><img id="1x65x65xlmbhy2jwd" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1365127764/photo/typical-irish-countryside-of-green-grassy-fields-west-cork-ireland.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=MzeDBZk2HsPnqNr8rTUr7eHzsh4UpyaqwxPR0OTQxlE=" alt="Typical Irish countryside of green grassy fields West Cork Ireland" title="Typical Irish countryside of green grassy fields West Cork 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/1365127764/photo/typical-irish-countryside-of-green-grassy-fields-west-cork-ireland.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=MzeDBZk2HsPnqNr8rTUr7eHzsh4UpyaqwxPR0OTQxlE=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Feeding More People with Less Land</h3><p>We’re heading for a world of nine billion people by 2040 and fewer safe places to grow food. Irish land is some of the best in Europe, but we won’t be immune to the squeeze. We’ll be asked to produce more, with less fertiliser, fewer antibiotics, lower emissions, and higher welfare standards. No pressure, right?</p><p>This is where data and tech will be your best friends. In the future, most farms will run with real-time insight, on soil moisture, herd health, grass growth, even disease risk. It won’t replace experience, but it’ll take some of the guesswork out of the game. And what we grow will shift, too. We’ll see more protein crops, more diversified swards, and new kinds of income, from agroforestry to carbon credits to supplying alternative protein chains (yes, even bugs and lab-grown meat will have a place).</p><figure id="figure-hg6hm1qk4jmbhy72yb" class=""><img id="hg6hm1qk4jmbhy72yb" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1213839449/photo/3d-rendering-of-planet-earth-closeup-with-stylized-red-and-white-men-over-it.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=mSlwerYUENKodhQq2oRvZIIyH3T4rBvnyVIo493CgMA=" alt="3d rendering of Planet Earth closeup with stylized red and white men over it(elements of this image by Nasa)" title="3d rendering of Planet Earth closeup with stylized red and white men over it(elements of this image by Nasa)" 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/1213839449/photo/3d-rendering-of-planet-earth-closeup-with-stylized-red-and-white-men-over-it.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=mSlwerYUENKodhQq2oRvZIIyH3T4rBvnyVIo493CgMA=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Farming in Cities and Seas</h3><p>By 2040, not all farming will happen in fields. Some will take place in high-rise buildings, old shipping containers, or just off the Irish coast.</p><p>Urban agriculture is on the rise, particularly in densely populated cities where space is limited and food miles are under scrutiny. Vertical farming, a key component of urban agriculture, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.2% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is driven by advancements in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) technologies, including hydroponics and aeroponics, which allow for efficient, year-round crop production in urban settings.</p><p>Meanwhile, Ireland's coastline is emerging as a new frontier for sustainable farming. The Irish seaweed industry, currently valued at over €45 million annually, has significant potential for expansion. Seaweed is a nutrient-rich, fast-growing resource that serves multiple purposes, from food and fertilizer to carbon capture. In 2021, Ireland harvested approximately 50.5 tonnes of cultivated seaweed, indicating room for growth in this sector.</p><p>Aquaculture is also evolving, with regenerative systems that combine shellfish and seaweed farming to clean water while producing food. The global aquaculture market is projected to grow from USD 160.9 billion in 2024 to USD 262.09 billion by 2032. This growth reflects a shift towards sustainable seafood production methods that not only meet rising demand but also contribute to environmental restoration.</p><p>This isn't a sideshow, it could be a major part of Ireland's sustainable food future.</p><figure id="figure-8h6qktl7mmbhyd2ac" class=""><img id="8h6qktl7mmbhyd2ac" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1142926776/photo/rooftop-greenhouse-garden.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=KbDNnggIciTDGK6MSYC-rMZWlIeyn9VTVkFPk29_iRY=" alt="rooftop greenhouse garden" title="rooftop greenhouse garden" 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/1142926776/photo/rooftop-greenhouse-garden.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=KbDNnggIciTDGK6MSYC-rMZWlIeyn9VTVkFPk29_iRY=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><h3>Automation</h3><p>Don’t worry, your tractor’s not going to sack you. But by 2040, you’ll have smarter backup. Robots and tech are already here. About 1,500 robotic milkers are working away on Irish farms, and tools like GPS-guided tractors, weed-zapping drones, and health-tracking cattle tags are quickly becoming the norm. Over 70% of dairy farms now use some form of automation, things like in-parlour feeders or automatic cluster removers. And this is just the start. The global agri-tech market is set to double by 2030, meaning better tools that are more affordable and easier to use.</p><p>You won’t be replaced, but your role will shift. Less muscle, more mindset. Less chasing problems, more staying ahead of them. You’ll move from herder to systems thinker. And don’t worry, the dog stays, he just might be wearing a smart collar.</p><figure id="figure-hqdwn8u6rcmbhypt5f" class=""><img id="hqdwn8u6rcmbhypt5f" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/911693276/photo/smart-robotic-in-agriculture-futuristic-concept-robot-farmers-must-be-programmed-to-work-to.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=b5w8617k_BbS3W9LRDP7-XKO8BCUBTxZ-S_91Nw6fe0=" alt="smart robotic in agriculture futuristic concept, robot farmers (automation) must be programmed to work to spray chemical,fertilizer or increase efficiency, growing a seed, harvesting, reduce time" title="smart robotic in agriculture futuristic concept, robot farmers (automation) must be programmed to work to spray chemical,fertilizer or increase efficiency, growing a seed, harvesting, reduce time" 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/911693276/photo/smart-robotic-in-agriculture-futuristic-concept-robot-farmers-must-be-programmed-to-work-to.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=b5w8617k_BbS3W9LRDP7-XKO8BCUBTxZ-S_91Nw6fe0=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>The Risk of a Two-Speed Future</h3><p>Let’s not kid ourselves: all this tech and transition sounds great, but that's only if you can afford it. If the next 15 years only work for the biggest players, we risk building a two-speed agri-sector. Big, tech-savvy, capital-rich farms flying ahead, while family farms, already under pressure, fall further behind. We can’t let that happen. </p><p>Ireland’s agri-identity isn’t built on mega-farms. It’s built on small, skilled, community-rooted farmers. People who know their land by heart. They need backing, not just with grants, but with proper advisory support, broadband, education, and policy that understands rural realities.</p><p>If we lose them, we lose more than a food system. We lose our heritage.</p><figure id="figure-s1pxgt132lmbhys2ol" class=""><img id="s1pxgt132lmbhys2ol" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/508818153/photo/ireland.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=t1HqH0lxDP4perS5j-_wTM8PY_p8Kc5yF-DcvXvdIJc=" alt="Ireland" title="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/508818153/photo/ireland.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=t1HqH0lxDP4perS5j-_wTM8PY_p8Kc5yF-DcvXvdIJc=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>So, where does that leave us? The farm of 2040 won’t look like your grandfather’s, but the heart of it will remain the same, working with the land, not against it. Technology, climate pressures, and shifting markets will change the way we farm, but not why we farm. If we get it right, we’ll feed more people with less damage, and do it in a way that’s fair, local, and rooted in community.</p><p>But to do this,&nbsp; we need to bring everyone along, because a future that only works for the biggest farms isn’t a future worth having. Irish agriculture has always been built on adaptability, pride, and grit. That hasn’t changed. What’s changing is how we support that spirit, from better tools and fairer trade to policies that actually understand the rural reality.</p><p>The choices we make today, on our land, in our homes, and at the policy table, will shape the fields of tomorrow and that future’s coming, ready or not.</p><p><br></p><p>*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.</p>

Blog

Suckler Beef vs. Dairy Calves: Market Trends and Future O...

Reviving a Farmyard: Grants, Repairs, and Strategic Decis...

The Cultural Role of Farming in Irish Identity: Land, Lan...

From Barley to Brewery Waste: Rethinking Animal Feed in I...

The Rise of Part-Time Farming: Juggling Farm, Family, and...

The Future of Farming: A Glimpse into 2040