Delvin men to explain farm partnerships
A Delvin farm operated under a partnership arrangement is one of two locations at which farm walks are being held during September, as Teagasc shines the spotlight on generation renewal, which is a growing priority in Irish agriculture.
On Friday September 12 at 11am, at their farm at Clonyn, Delvin, (N91 PT61), Tony McCormack and Chris Cahill will describe how they operate under a Registered Farm Partnership, despite not being related.
Chris was awarded the FBD Young Farmer of the Year in 2024. Together, they are managing a 240-cow spring-calving dairy enterprise.
According to Teagasc, the partnership has proven mutually beneficial. Chris gained valuable access to land and the opportunity to develop his farming career.
Meanwhile, Tony, who works off-farm, sought to maintain involvement in farming without being engaged in the day-to-day operations and management.
Since its establishment in 2022, significant capital investment has taken place on the farm and the herd has doubled in size to allow for sufficient income for both partners. This arrangement is operating successfully and is meeting the needs of both parties.
Week of activities
Generational Renewal Week, which will run from Monday September 8 to Friday September 12 will see Teagasc host a hybrid programme of events on generation renewal.
As well as the Clonyn walk, included are three webinars and one other farm walk during the week.
Ruth Fennell, Teagasc collaborative farming specialist, said: “The average age of Irish farmers is currently 59. Many report that they have no identified successor, or that potential successors are not planning to return home to farm.
“There has never been a more critical time to address this pressing issue.”
Continuing, Ruth said that Generation Renewal Week aims to showcase opportunities for young people to build fulfilling careers in farming.
“It will also focus on supporting older farmers to step back when they choose to do so.
“The week will also focus on navigating the often-complex area of tax implications related to succession and land transfer.”
The events organised were intended to explore how collaborative farming arrangements such as registered farm partnerships, share farming, land leasing, plus other options, can create valuable opportunities for both outgoing and incoming farmers.
Events
A Monday September 8 webinar, at 7.30pm sees Ruth Fennell look at collaborative farming options and how they can be used to address generation renewal.
On Tuesday September 9, also at 7.30pm, Claire O’Keeffe from Succession Ireland and Enda Geoghegan, Teagasc will, in an online webinar focus on starting the conversation around farm succession and inheritance and will also cover the importance of making a will with James McDonnell, financial specialist, Teagasc.
On Wednesday September 10 at 6.30pm, there is to be a suckler beef farm walk with Gerard and Shane O’Connor, County Roscommon F45 C623.
The O’Connors farm 18 suckler cows alongside a beef enterprise through a joint venture and the event will explore their current farming system.
Local Teagasc advisors will address management and health practices on the farm. Ruth Fennell will discuss how they’ve structured their joint venture and will focus on succession planning, including collaborative arrangements, tax considerations, and reliefs.
Thursday September 11’s final webinar, which takes place at 7.30pm, will navigate the taxes and reliefs associated with farm transfers with Hugh MacEneaney, financial specialist, Teagasc.