Generational Renewal Week 2025
Generation renewal is a growing priority in Irish Agriculture and to highlight the opportunities in farming, Teagasc has organised five events to take place during Generational Renewal Week, which will run from Monday, 8 September to Friday, 12 September.
During this week Teagasc will host a hybrid programme of events on generation renewal. Included are three webinars and two farm walks. Whether you are just starting to consider succession planning, or are ready to take the next step, Generational Renewal Week will have information of interest for everyone.
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.”
Ruth said; “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.”
A key part of the week is helping families and farm stakeholders begin these important conversations, both within the home and with external advisors. The events will 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.
What’s Happening during Generational Renewal Week?
View the webpage to see events and register to attend here
Collaborative Farming Webinar
Monday, 8 September | 7.30pm
The first webinar in a series as part of ‘Generational Renewal Week’. This webinar with Ruth Fennell, Collaborative Farming Specialist will look at collaborative farming options and how they can be used to address generation renewal.
Farm Succession & Inheritance Webinar
Tuesday, 9 September | 7.30pm
This webinar will focus on starting the conversation around Farm Succession and Inheritance with Claire O’Keeffe from Succession Ireland and Enda Geoghegan, Teagasc. The webinar will also cover the importance of making a will with James McDonnell, Financial Specialist, Teagasc.
Suckler Beef Farm Walk with Gerard and Shane O’Connor, Co Roscommon F45 C623
Wednesday, 10 September | 6.30pm
Join us on Wednesday, 10 September for a farm walk with father-and-son team Gerard and Shane O’Connor. They farm 18 suckler cows alongside a beef enterprise through a joint venture.
This 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. Get valuable guidance on successfully transferring a farm from one generation to the next.
Taxes and Reliefs Webinar
Thursday, 11 September | 7.30pm
A final webinar in a series as part of ‘Generational Renewal Week’. This webinar will navigate the taxes and reliefs associated with farm transfers with Hugh MacEneaney, Financial Specialist, Teagasc.
Dairy Farm Walk with Tony McCormack and Chris Cahill’s farm, Clonyn, Delvin, Co Westmeath, N91 PT61
Friday, 12 September | 11am
Generational Renewal Week finishes with a farm walk at Tony McCormack and Chris Cahill’s farm in Clonyn, Delvin, Co Westmeath.
Tony and Chris 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.
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 very successfully and is meeting the needs of both parties.