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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>

The Future of Farming: A Glimpse into 2040

Worried farmer with hands on hips in barley field

<h3>Introduction</h3><p>Farming’s always been part of who we are in Ireland. Most of us reading this grew up around it; early mornings, cold hands, muck on the boots, and one eye always on the sky. There’s pride in it, no doubt that quiet, steady way of just getting on with things.</p><p>But underneath all that, there’s stuff we don’t really talk about. Not properly. Mental health. And the truth is, it’s taking a toll. Farmers are tired, not just from the graft, but from carrying everything else on top of it. The pressure, the uncertainty, the feeling that they’ve to handle it all alone, and it’s wearing people down.</p><figure id="figure-fovow2dt2mbhp82c7" class=""><img id="fovow2dt2mbhp82c7" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/875237218/photo/headed-off-the-feed-the-livestock.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=fJX8j8QW-COti-8WssxjbOtV49Dtxrd2nAGX8bKi2pM=" alt="Headed off the feed the livestock" title="Headed off the feed the livestock" 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/875237218/photo/headed-off-the-feed-the-livestock.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=fJX8j8QW-COti-8WssxjbOtV49Dtxrd2nAGX8bKi2pM=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>The Hidden Load Farmers Carry</h3><p>It’s hard to explain the kind of pressure farming brings unless you’ve lived it. The days aren’t long, they can be endless. The margin for error is slim, and the pace is dictated by animals, seasons, and systems you can’t control.</p><p>DCU (Dublin City University) conducted a study in 2024 and highlighted the figures surrounding this. They found that 23.6% of Irish farmers are experiencing clinical levels of burnout, and over half are struggling with stress-related sleep loss. Those aren’t abstract numbers, they’re real people lying awake, running through costs and weather forecasts, wondering how they’re going to make it work another year.</p><p>And burnout doesn’t mean being a bit tired, it means your mind and body are pushed to the brink. It's the kind of fatigue that no amount of rest can fix. One dairy farmer from Cork who we spoke to summed it up by saying, “You’re never finished. Even when you sit down, your head is still working. You’re never really off.”</p><figure id="figure-y3i7ii75dbmbhqgu66" class=""><img id="y3i7ii75dbmbhqgu66" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1466645175/photo/adult-woman-with-blond-hair-kneeling-inside-of-a-stubble-field-with-cut-corn-plants-in-the.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=U5wRNtKGsNPaxQ4hFR4LJFkFFO_VEbd71E68rMZgNVU=" alt="Adult woman with blond hair kneeling inside of a stubble field with cut corn plants in the evening,looking at the sunset at the horizon,sunbeam" title="Adult woman with blond hair kneeling inside of a stubble field with cut corn plants in the evening,looking at the sunset at the horizon,sunbeam" 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/1466645175/photo/adult-woman-with-blond-hair-kneeling-inside-of-a-stubble-field-with-cut-corn-plants-in-the.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=U5wRNtKGsNPaxQ4hFR4LJFkFFO_VEbd71E68rMZgNVU=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>The Silence That Hurts the Most</h3><p>In rural Ireland, there’s still a strong sense that you should just crack on, keep going, and don’t make a fuss. And sure, isn’t everyone under pressure these days?</p><p>But here’s the problem, that stoicism we’re so proud of is costing us. It’s stopping people from speaking up, from reaching out. A study by FarMHealth showed that while 71% of farmers would consider getting help, more than half didn’t know where to start. Some didn’t even know what services existed.</p><p>And even when they do know, the fear of being judged is enough to keep them quiet. The stigma’s not gone yet, it lingers in small towns and back roads, in the unspoken rules that say “talking about your head isn’t for the likes of us.”</p><p>But that’s wrong. Dead wrong. Because silence is dangerous. And when people feel they have to battle alone, it can lead to devastating outcomes.</p><figure id="figure-3babddj5ajmbhr028f" class=""><img id="3babddj5ajmbhr028f" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/652805880/photo/rear-view-of-farmer-walking-in-the-field.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=hDzcl2TKJPDIhCVi09Rww-tc5dBJVK_rYQCq996tT0E=" alt="Rear view of farmer walking in the field" title="Rear view of farmer walking in the 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/652805880/photo/rear-view-of-farmer-walking-in-the-field.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=hDzcl2TKJPDIhCVi09Rww-tc5dBJVK_rYQCq996tT0E=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Climate Pressure and the Future of Farming</h3><p>On top of the daily grind, farmers in 2025 are carrying a different kind of burden: the pressure to change, to adapt, to do better for the environment, and fast.</p><p>There’s no denying that sustainability matters. Most farmers want to leave the land in better shape than they found it. But adapting to climate targets, new CAP rules, and emissions cuts takes a toll.</p><p>One young farmer in Tipperary told us, “I’m all for greener farming, but it feels like I’m being asked to jump through hoops with one leg tied. There’s grants, but they’re a maze. There’s advice, but it changes every month. It’s exhausting.”</p><p>Teagasc’s climate engagement reports now show rising levels of anxiety around environmental pressures. The expectation to be perfect stewards of the land, while staying commercially viable, is enough to wear anyone down. And it’s not just about the future, it’s about now. How do you farm sustainably if you can’t think straight? Mental health is part of climate resilience, always has been.</p><figure id="figure-0blecamioombhr78r7" class=""><img id="0blecamioombhr78r7" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2185434497/photo/looking-down-from-the-top-of-hills-at-a-landscape-of-green-pasture-and-dry-stone-walls.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=sM4y-quEVvEH1I6JvtKh5eRS926WIWDpoWMtqqoQfYY=" alt="Looking down from the top of hills at a Landscape of green pasture and dry stone walls typical of the Ireland, Aran Islands, Ireland" title="Looking down from the top of hills at a Landscape of green pasture and dry stone walls typical of the Ireland, Aran Islands, 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/2185434497/photo/looking-down-from-the-top-of-hills-at-a-landscape-of-green-pasture-and-dry-stone-walls.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=sM4y-quEVvEH1I6JvtKh5eRS926WIWDpoWMtqqoQfYY=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Real Help, in Real Places</h3><p>Thankfully, change is happening, though not fast enough.</p><p>The On Feirm Ground programme is proving that meaningful support doesn’t have to come from a psychologist’s office. By training ag advisors, co-op staff and vets to spot early warning signs of stress, they’re bringing support to places farmers already go. It’s subtle, but powerful. A simple, “How are you really doing?” from someone you trust can open a door.</p><p>FarMHealth, meanwhile, has been running practical workshops on mental health. They offer real talk about how stress works, how burnout feels, and what you can do about it. Feedback from farmers has been overwhelmingly positive, because it speaks to them in their language.</p><p>And then there’s the government funding. In 2025, €2.5 million was ringfenced for mental health and farm safety initiatives. That’s going towards peer support groups, community events, and better access to counselling in rural areas. It’s a drop in the ocean, but it’s a drop that matters.</p><figure id="figure-8b4la7z2fnmbhrelac" class=""><img id="8b4la7z2fnmbhrelac" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1445994797/photo/ruins-of-farm-houses-in-ireland.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=_mZxC1xk5tPaI0izoas4S74lj41zUx6zfNd_xP6SvKQ=" alt="ruins of farm houses in Ireland" title="ruins of farm houses in 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/1445994797/photo/ruins-of-farm-houses-in-ireland.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=_mZxC1xk5tPaI0izoas4S74lj41zUx6zfNd_xP6SvKQ=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>We Still Have a Long Way to Go</h3><p>For all the progress, the reality on the ground is this: many farmers still don’t have proper mental health support. The services are too far away, the waiting lists are too long, and the professionals don’t always understand the life.</p><p>There’s a massive need for farm-literate counsellors, people who understand that stress isn’t just about work, but about legacy, identity, and weather forecasts that change your whole year in an afternoon.</p><p>We also need better education, starting in agricultural colleges. Mental health should be on the syllabus alongside soil testing and machinery safety. Because if we’re preparing farmers for the future, we need to prepare them to look after themselves too.</p><p>Above all, we need to make checking in on someone a normal thing. A neighbour, a friend, a contractor, ask them how they’re doing, and be ready to hear something real.</p><figure id="figure-9tlu7j64zwmbhrh1o8" class=""><img id="9tlu7j64zwmbhrh1o8" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1140389630/photo/horse-trainer-in-his-yard-with-thoroughbred-race-horse-roscommon-ireland.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=BaZ7TjrluwErHucLP8BCNy8_cUPCnIL-UWqVZDOCpfE=" alt="Horse trainer in his yard with thoroughbred race horse, Roscommon, Ireland." title="Horse trainer in his yard with thoroughbred race horse, Roscommon, 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/1140389630/photo/horse-trainer-in-his-yard-with-thoroughbred-race-horse-roscommon-ireland.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=BaZ7TjrluwErHucLP8BCNy8_cUPCnIL-UWqVZDOCpfE=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Need support? These people are here for you;</p><ul><li>Samaritans Ireland – Freephone 116 123</li><li>Text About It (Text 50808) – Free, 24/7 anonymous text support</li><li>Mental Health Ireland – <a href="http://www.mentalhealthireland.ie" data-mce-href="http://www.mentalhealthireland.ie">www.mentalhealthireland.ie</a></li><li>Pieta House – Suicide &amp; self-harm support: <a href="http://www.pieta.ie" data-mce-href="http://www.pieta.ie">www.pieta.ie</a></li></ul><p>At The Informed Farmer Consultancy, we work with Irish farmers every day. We see the long hours, the sacrifices, the deep care for the land. And we believe sustainability isn’t just about carbon, it’s about community, about mental wellbeing, about giving farmers the support they need to thrive.</p><p>This conversation isn’t over. It’s just starting. And you’re not in it alone.</p><p><br></p><p>*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.</p>

Addressing Mental Health in Irish Agriculture 2025

<h3>Introduction&nbsp;</h3><p>Big things are brewing in Carlow, quite literally. The National Centre for Brewing and Distilling has just opened its doors at Teagasc Oak Park, and it’s not just a win for the drinks industry, it's one for Irish farmers, tillage growers, and anyone interested in sustainable, homegrown enterprise.</p><p>Launched by Minister of State Martin Heydon and backed by €2.3 million in funding since 2020, the centre is packed with cutting-edge equipment designed to support everything from beer brewing and spirit distillation to non-alcoholic craft drinks and sensory analysis of Irish whiskey. But what makes this development really exciting is its potential to bring the drinks industry closer to the Irish field.</p><figure id="figure-qxu4k2m17mmbar6awk"><img id="qxu4k2m17mmbar6awk" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1425033867/photo/brewery-equipment-brew-manufacturing-round-cooper-storage-tanks-for-beer-fermentation-and.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Oim-9-bOnoqaWedgLzQjxt72K4LbBa9sjtWCK9Lasqg=" alt="Brewery equipment. Brew manufacturing. Round cooper storage tanks for beer fermentation and maturation" title="Brewery equipment. Brew manufacturing. Round cooper storage tanks for beer fermentation and maturation" 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/1425033867/photo/brewery-equipment-brew-manufacturing-round-cooper-storage-tanks-for-beer-fermentation-and.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Oim-9-bOnoqaWedgLzQjxt72K4LbBa9sjtWCK9Lasqg=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Reconnecting Field and Glass</h3><p><br>For years, much of the work involved in developing new beers and spirits such as; testing grains, trialling recipes, and refining flavours, had to be done overseas. It was expensive, logistically awkward, and a missed opportunity for Irish agriculture. Now, with this state-of-the-art centre based in Carlow, all of that changes.</p><p>Producers can work directly with Irish-grown grain and farmers can finally be part of that creative process, not just sitting at the raw end of the supply chain.</p><figure id="figure-a1jumjlv5mbarrw0k" class=""><img id="a1jumjlv5mbarrw0k" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1419422545/photo/ruin-of-a-windmill-in-a-field-of-wheat.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=aTeOselKEDzYi2NYNo5m08LB10HmpnGZ-RQvZm6I_gs=" alt="Ruin of a windmill in a field of wheat" title="Ruin of a windmill in a field of wheat" 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/1419422545/photo/ruin-of-a-windmill-in-a-field-of-wheat.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=aTeOselKEDzYi2NYNo5m08LB10HmpnGZ-RQvZm6I_gs=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Good News for Grain Growers</h3><p>In 2024, incomes on tillage farms increased with the average hitting around €30,000. Spring barley is back in strong demand too, with nearly 140,000 hectares planted last year, well above what we’ve seen over the past five.</p><p>Still, things can be uncertain. Grain prices bounce around, and markets don’t always play fair. That’s where the new brewing and distilling centre in Carlow could make a real difference. It gives Irish growers a way to connect directly with producers looking for quality, local ingredients.&nbsp;</p><p>It’s a simple idea, really: the closer the connection between field and final product, the better it is for everyone. It adds value to the grain, cuts out some middlemen, and gives farmers a bigger stake in the finished story.&nbsp;</p><figure id="figure-35gd1ock3hmbarwav9" class=""><img id="35gd1ock3hmbarwav9" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/147318570/photo/golden-grains-of-irish-fields.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Z2RHuLN9nMGm9YaTDuPXnLomS_t_Zw8glWZhzXaJn0s=" alt="Golden grains of Irish fields" title="Golden grains of Irish fields" 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/147318570/photo/golden-grains-of-irish-fields.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Z2RHuLN9nMGm9YaTDuPXnLomS_t_Zw8glWZhzXaJn0s=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>The Sustainbility Side of Things</h3><p>When people talk about sustainability, it’s easy for the conversation to drift into vague territory. But at its core, it boils down to practical decisions that make long-term sense. If we can grow the grain here, malt it here, brew it here, and bottle it here, we cut out a whole load of unnecessary steps; fewer food miles, less reliance on imported grain, and more value staying within the country. It’s better for the environment, and it’s better business too.</p><p>Plenty of farmers are already putting in break crops like beans, oats, and oilseeds. These aren’t just good for the ground; they’re vital for crop rotation and reducing the need for chemical inputs. The issue has always been finding consistent, worthwhile outlets for them.</p><p>With this centre up and running, there’s now a real market for what’s grown here. A brewery needing Irish oats for a limited-release stout, or a distillery experimenting with a new mash bill, it all starts to add up. It gives those crops a destination, and that helps keep the whole system balanced and worthwhile.</p><p>It’s not about ticking sustainability boxes for the sake of it. It’s about building a system that works, from the ground up.</p><figure id="figure-25nx4kfn5jmbasdigw" class=""><img id="25nx4kfn5jmbasdigw" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1084732474/photo/making-beer.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=gt_FdtwUU46DIURMrGjSdtvSuVTgXWhMnAVSGzPnqGc=" alt="making beer" title="making beer" 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/1084732474/photo/making-beer.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=gt_FdtwUU46DIURMrGjSdtvSuVTgXWhMnAVSGzPnqGc=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>From Pot Stills to People Skills</h3><p><br>Beyond the tech and the testing, the centre is also a place of learning. It will be used to train students in brewing and distilling, offering practical, real-world experience. That’s not just good news for graduates, it’s great news for the industry.</p><p>We need a new generation of people who understand both the science and the story behind what we drink. Who know where the grain came from. Who care about quality, sustainability, and the future of Irish food and farming.</p><figure id="figure-w16ufwntgdmbasf6js" class=""><img id="w16ufwntgdmbasf6js" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1611425462/photo/man-and-woman-working-in-craft-brewery-examining-quality-of-the-beer.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=15wMP3MsD1Ese0Ua0Hz3VTekroojzwbTXKABoMHvPno=" alt="Man and woman working in craft brewery examining quality of the beer." title="Man and woman working in craft brewery examining quality of the beer." 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/1611425462/photo/man-and-woman-working-in-craft-brewery-examining-quality-of-the-beer.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=15wMP3MsD1Ese0Ua0Hz3VTekroojzwbTXKABoMHvPno=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The newly opened National Centre for Brewing and Distilling at Teagasc Oak Park, Carlow, is a major step forward for Irish agriculture and the drinks sector. Backed by €2.3 million in funding, it brings product development, once outsourced abroad, back onto Irish soil. Farmers can now work directly with producers, creating a stronger link between grain and glass. With tillage incomes rising and demand for crops like spring barley growing, the centre offers real opportunity in a volatile market. It also strengthens sustainability by reducing food miles and supporting the use of break crops like oats and beans. On top of that, it’s a training ground for the next generation of brewers and distillers, people who value Irish grain, understand the land, and care about quality.</p><p><br data-mce-bogus="1"></p><p>*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.</p>

Grain to Glass: The Impact of Carlow's New Brewing and Distilling Centre on Irish Farmers

<h3>Introduction&nbsp;</h3><p>This weekend in Galway was definitely one we won’t forget for a while! Our founder, Anne Hayden, was there for the launch of Clipper the Hurl, a new children’s book which she had the honour of curating the illustrations for. It was a lovely day, full of families, laughter, books, and that special kind of energy you only get when people gather to celebrate something meaningful.</p><p>Anne doesn’t often shout about her creative work, but we’re going to do it for her this time. The illustrations she curated for Clipper are full of life, warmth, and Irish charm, just like the story itself. Watching it all come together over the past few months has been a joy, and seeing it finally launch was a proud moment for everyone who’s been part of the journey.</p><figure id="figure-l9o8b50vtmb58tlm6" class=""><img id="l9o8b50vtmb58tlm6" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/5KKRttK6p0JhmoTKmAxCHTecEFqMPchj2wPAp9DY9n1zjy9hwgK4aJsHrd6p503P.jpg" alt="green ireland" title="green 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://cdn.durable.co/blocks/5KKRttK6p0JhmoTKmAxCHTecEFqMPchj2wPAp9DY9n1zjy9hwgK4aJsHrd6p503P.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>A Quiet Chat with the Tánaiste</h3><p>Another highlight of the event was a quiet but inspiring conversation between Anne and Tánaiste Simon Harris. They talked about Irish literature, where it’s come from, where it’s going, and how sustainability plays a bigger role in the stories we tell our children.</p><p>It’s a topic that sits right at the heart of what we do at The Informed Farmer. We spend our days working on the practical side of sustainability; soil health, food systems, climate action, but we’ve always believed that culture and creativity are just as important. If we want to build a better future, we need to be able to imagine it first. And that starts with stories.</p><figure id="figure-ad5wlha9qmb591ut2" class=""><img id="ad5wlha9qmb591ut2" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/6y3XEBnE1vvRrcE96XrcDmmVY3DIVAVA9274juqOWmkVGnE3iMrUHclph2PsQNRh.jpg" alt="technology farming" title="technology farming" 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://cdn.durable.co/blocks/6y3XEBnE1vvRrcE96XrcDmmVY3DIVAVA9274juqOWmkVGnE3iMrUHclph2PsQNRh.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Stories That Plant Seeds</h3><p>Children’s books are often our first teachers. They help shape how we see the world, what we value, and how we treat each other. That’s why sustainability has a place in storytelling, not as a lesson to hammer home, but as a quiet thread that runs through the pages.</p><p>Clipper the Hurl isn’t a book about climate change or farming. It’s a fun, local, feel-good story. But underneath the humour and heart, there’s something more, an invitation to care about your place, your people, your roots. And that, to us, is sustainability in action.</p><figure id="figure-crmhvmw6xamb593pmo" class=""><img id="crmhvmw6xamb593pmo" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/18CQhNnJVnqrniHc6KNT5cj7FNlYmJRiYJymJMsTiXhFKEe0YynziKiYzY3jz0UA.jpg" 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/18CQhNnJVnqrniHc6KNT5cj7FNlYmJRiYJymJMsTiXhFKEe0YynziKiYzY3jz0UA.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>We left Galway feeling quietly proud. Seeing Clipper the Hurl in the hands of families, with Anne’s curations bringing it to life, was something special.</p><p>It reminded us that stories matter, and not just the big ones. The small, local ones, the ones rooted in a place, full of heart. This wasn’t just a book launch, it was a reminder of why we do what we do.</p><p><br></p><p>*By Conor McElwee (MSc) Consultant, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.</p>

Sustainability Practices in Ireland: Leading the Way

Aerial view of the awarded Narin Beach by Portnoo and Inishkeel Island in County Donegal, Ireland

<h3>Introduction</h3><p>There’s something amazing about standing on an Irish beach and seeing a Blue Flag fluttering in the breeze. It means the water is clean, the area is well looked after, and that somewhere along the line, a group of people worked hard to protect that stretch of coast. This year, that moment means more than ever.</p><p>For the 2025 bathing season, Ireland has been awarded a record 89 Blue Flags and 10 marina flags, the highest number since the programme began. That’s not just a reason to celebrate, it’s a sign that we’re moving in the right direction when it comes to caring for our beaches, protecting our environment, and taking pride in the natural places that bring so much value to our lives.</p><figure id="figure-jlzilbok5fmaz4yf35"><img id="jlzilbok5fmaz4yf35" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/35RsxXuCXKCPQOMyZbkhVxSKvAbTjWIeHHCsoEsi4VXP39BiHTOG8gyLWiFD2Hkf.jpeg" alt="ireland coast" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/35RsxXuCXKCPQOMyZbkhVxSKvAbTjWIeHHCsoEsi4VXP39BiHTOG8gyLWiFD2Hkf.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>A Strong Year for the Coast</h3><p>The Blue Flag is not easily earned. To qualify, beaches and marinas must meet strict standards in water quality, safety, cleanliness, and environmental education. Getting the award is no easy task, and keeping it year after year takes serious commitment.</p><p>This year, Kerry led the way with 15 Blue Flags, followed closely by Cork with 11. Cork also received 14 Green Coast Awards, the most of any county, this recognises beaches that are of high environmental quality and natural beauty. These are places that may not have full facilities but offer something even more valuable, a sense of unspoilt wildness, strong biodiversity, and deep connection to place.</p><p>Some well-known spots returned to the Blue Flag list this year. Tramore in Waterford and Cappagh Pier in Clarere gained their status after earlier losses due to water quality issues. In Galway, Céibh an Spidéal received a Blue Flag for the first time since 2012, showing just how much positive change is possible with local effort. Keel Beach on Achill Island marked an extraordinary milestone too, earning the award for the 37th year running.</p><p>Ten beaches also achieved the rare distinction of receiving both a Blue Flag and a Green Coast Award, among them Salthill, Rosses Point, and Inchydoney East. It’s proof that you can combine excellent amenities with true environmental care.</p><figure id="figure-ir0nh14j9maz4ynu6"><img id="ir0nh14j9maz4ynu6" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1159250880/photo/aerial-view-of-blackrock-beach-with-diving-tower-in-salthill.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=1fTjEzpBzYg85YM4JTyTjoxSm0hEXephwp_tz_aPnMI=" alt="Aerial view of Blackrock beach with Diving tower in Salthill" title="Aerial view of Blackrock beach with Diving tower in Salthill" 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/1159250880/photo/aerial-view-of-blackrock-beach-with-diving-tower-in-salthill.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=1fTjEzpBzYg85YM4JTyTjoxSm0hEXephwp_tz_aPnMI=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>It’s About More Than Just a View</h3><p>Blue Flags do more than make beaches look good on paper. They reflect how well a place is managed and protected. Each site is tested regularly for water quality, it must have clear safety measures in place, and it is expected to promote awareness of its local environment.</p><p>But the awards also point to something bigger, a shared belief that our coastlines are worth looking after. They remind us that beaches are not just summer spots, they’re living systems, shaped by tides, weather, human use, and policy decisions. They need attention, resources, and long-term thinking.</p><p>This is where sustainability becomes more than just a buzzword. It becomes a lived reality, something built into the way we manage land, water, and community spaces.</p><figure id="figure-u4w5x3noqmaz4ytft"><img id="u4w5x3noqmaz4ytft" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/32xy8T4unJ6UOL240RkKxcSpp0Z3Igm108VqpYl83Uzm299kt6cbyHRyT5Wrupfb.jpeg" alt="irish beach landscape" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/32xy8T4unJ6UOL240RkKxcSpp0Z3Igm108VqpYl83Uzm299kt6cbyHRyT5Wrupfb.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Why Water Sustainability Matters</h3><p>The health of our seas and beaches doesn’t begin at the shoreline. It starts far inland. What we do on farms, in housing estates, on construction sites, and in towns has a direct impact on our rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.</p><p>That’s why water sustainability matters. Preventing agricultural run-off, cutting down on plastic pollution, managing wastewater properly, and restoring natural filters like wetlands and reed beds all play a part in protecting the coast.</p><p>Ireland’s marine and freshwater systems support a wide range of species and livelihoods. They are the backbone of local fisheries, tourism, aquaculture, and recreation. They also help protect us from flooding, absorb carbon, and provide habitats we cannot replace.</p><p>At the same time, these systems are under growing pressure. Rising sea levels, more intense rainfall, and nutrient build-up are already putting strain on some of our most treasured places. But the work being done right now, from upgrading treatment plants to planting buffer zones beside rivers, shows that change is possible when water is treated as a shared responsibility.</p><figure id="figure-s19nzkwz6rmaz4yz0r"><img id="s19nzkwz6rmaz4yz0r" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1863130999/photo/a-lone-figure-on-a-beach.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=WE0mT-qZoTMW22XQLvR5vAxKD8KrFUmd_j3OAqWvOpo=" alt="A lone figure on a beach" title="A lone figure on a beach" 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/1863130999/photo/a-lone-figure-on-a-beach.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=WE0mT-qZoTMW22XQLvR5vAxKD8KrFUmd_j3OAqWvOpo=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Where Do We Go From Here?</h3><p>This record number of awards didn’t happen by chance. It reflects years of work by communities, councils, volunteers, and environmental groups. Improvements in infrastructure, tighter controls on pollution, and public awareness campaigns have all helped push the numbers up.</p><p>The challenge now is to keep that progress going. Sustainability is about staying the course, even when the spotlight fades.</p><p>Looking ahead, there are a few areas that will be key:</p><ul><li>Bringing land and sea planning together, so that farming, tourism, housing, and environmental protection are all pulling in the same direction.</li><li>Using nature to our advantage, with wetlands, woodlands, and coastlines acting as buffers and filters.</li><li>Building infrastructure that can handle what’s coming, from heavier rainfall to rising tides.</li><li>Monitoring environmental health more closely, especially in vulnerable catchments and coastal areas</li></ul><p><br>If we can continue to bring different sectors together. from agriculture to marine conservation, then Ireland can be a real leader in sustainable land and water management.</p><figure id="figure-lryuk81npemaz5jj6a" class=""><img id="lryuk81npemaz5jj6a" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1186178292/photo/world-famous-cliffs-of-moher-one-of-the-most-popular-tourist-destinations-in-ireland-aerial.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=BQQJZSJy3sFTKcjK-7S2k9SldggMyMDj0MVxdmoTp58=" alt="World famous Cliffs of Moher, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland. Aerial view of known tourist attraction on Wild Atlantic Way in County Clare." title="World famous Cliffs of Moher, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland. Aerial view of known tourist attraction on Wild Atlantic Way in County Clare." 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/1186178292/photo/world-famous-cliffs-of-moher-one-of-the-most-popular-tourist-destinations-in-ireland-aerial.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=BQQJZSJy3sFTKcjK-7S2k9SldggMyMDj0MVxdmoTp58=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Ireland on the Global Stage</h3><p>This isn’t just a good news story for us here at home. It sends a message internationally too. In a world that’s becoming more climate-conscious, countries that care for their environments will stand out.</p><p>Ireland’s record number of Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards shows that we’re not just talking about sustainability, we’re doing the work. That matters, whether we’re welcoming tourists, bidding for funding, or taking part in international climate conversations.</p><p>There are also real economic benefits. Clean beaches draw visitors. They support small businesses, boost local pride, and help rural communities thrive. In 2024, coastal tourism played a major role in local economies, and this year’s achievements are likely to build on that momentum.</p><p>Even more importantly, it shows young people across the country that their future isn’t something to fear – it’s something they can help shape. When they see their local beach earning a Blue Flag, it tells them that progress is possible, and that their community is part of something bigger.</p><figure id="figure-4ssgyr6d3maz5l3ij" class=""><img id="4ssgyr6d3maz5l3ij" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/154996769/photo/cliffs-of-moher.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=RpKggDy9FDOWL9wbvRSEL36V1udk92agmlb7-xkjxuU=" alt="Cliffs of Moher" title="Cliffs of Moher" 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/154996769/photo/cliffs-of-moher.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=RpKggDy9FDOWL9wbvRSEL36V1udk92agmlb7-xkjxuU=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>It’s been a brilliant year for Ireland’s beaches, no doubt. But the real story isn’t the flags, it’s what they stand for. They show that we care and that we’re putting in the effort, often quietly, to protect the places we love. From water testing to picking up litter or making changes on farms, it all makes a difference.</p><p>The challenge now is to keep going, to stay committed even when no one’s clapping because, this isn’t just about tourism., it’s about valuing the land and sea.</p><p><br></p><p>*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.</p>

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