Entering dairy farming through leasing – Conor Wynne’s story

Land leasing is among the most widely used collaborative farming models, offering those looking to retire or reduce workload an opportunity to step back from active farming.

It was through the mechanism of leasing that Conor Wynne, a native of Co. Kildare, was presented with the opportunity to commence dairy farming in his own right.

As explained by Conor in the below video, the relationship with the farm owner had been established long before the lease commenced; he’d previously worked as a relief milker on the farm in his latter teenage years and while completing the Green Cert at Kildalton Agricultural College.

Aware that the farmer was seeking to step back from active farming, Conor made an approach to lease the farm.  In January 2025, Conor commenced a seven-year lease agreement covering the farm’s infrastructure, including the yard, sheds, milking parlour, land, livestock and machinery.

In preparation for the lease, Conor purchased 32 maiden heifers the previous year which he put in-calf.  As part of the agreement, he is also leasing 52 of the spring calving cows and 13 heifers from the original herd.  During discussions, they agreed a price for these animals.  And, as they are gradually culled from the herd, they are purchased through natural wastage.  Conor is currently milking 95 cows.  Prior to the commencement of the lease, the land owner installed additional units in the milking parlour for Conor and allowed him access to the farm to make changes to the paddock layout and water system with the intention of increasing the length of the grazing season.  During the first winter he also managed the feeding of the silage to livestock, thus ensuring a more gradual step away from the farming business for him.

The lease includes a planned review after two years to assess progress and suitability, with the intention – if all is going well – that the term of the lease may be extended at that stage.  Conor’s long-term aim is to acquire his own land; he believes leasing is the appropriate means to achieve just that.

For more on how the leasing arrangement is working for Conor Wynee, watch the below video:

Farmers considering entering leasing arrangements are strongly encouraged to seek tax planning and legal advice as there can be long-term tax implications. To find out more about leasing and what’s involved, visit here.