Generational Renewal Week 2026

Who will be steering your farm in 10–20 years? If that question makes you hesitate, you’re not alone; but it’s also a reason to act. Generational renewal is about more than handing over the keys: it’s about growing the next generation so they can run the business you’ve built. It starts young, encouraging a positive […]

The Atkinson family farm, located in The Ballagh, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, has been farmed by four generations of the same family. Joe Atkinson became owner of the farm in 1982 following the death of his uncle, from whom he inherited the holding. Today, the approximately 70-hectare farm is entirely in grass and operates a highly […]

The Tyner family has been farming this block of land just outside Shillelagh in Co. Wicklow for four generations.  The farm was originally purchased by John Tyner and has passed through the generations.  It is now owned by Colin and Janet Tyner.  Their daughter, Sophie, who is the youngest of three siblings, is next in […]

Lar and his wife, Bridget, have one son, Lauren. In 1996, Lar unexpectedly inherited the family farm from a relative who had no children. At the time, he was working off-farm and, while managing a mortgage and family responsibilities, gradually set about developing the holding. The farm had fallen into disrepair over the years, so […]

This is Kieran Kennedy’s fourth year in this lease arrangement with the Walsh family, beginning in 2023. Kieran came from a relatively small dairy farm, and in 2023, it became clear that there would not be an adequate income for him to become involved in the business full-time. At this time, Kieran’s brother Shane had […]

The Irish dairy industry is entering a period of significant change, with many experienced farmers considering how and when to step back from farming, while a new generation are seeking opportunities to build sustainable dairy businesses. Collaborative farming arrangements are becoming an increasingly important way to support this transition, providing benefits for both established and […]

The family farm is more than a business. It is a family home, a lifetime’s work and, for many, something they hope to pass on to the next generation. Yet, while farmers spend years planning crops, livestock, investments and succession, many don’t make a will or fail to update one after major life changes. Having […]

The decision to transfer the family farm to the next generation is one of the biggest—and often one of the hardest—decisions a farmer will ever make. It is a major milestone, involving not only the transfer of land and assets but also the transfer of responsibility, identity and purpose. Throughout the process, your accountant, solicitor […]

Embrace FARM is a national charity dedicated to supporting farm families and agricultural communities following a sudden loss. The organisation was founded in 2014 by the Rohan family from Co. Laois after they experienced the devastating loss of Brian Rohan’s father, Liam, who was tragically killed in a farm accident on the family farm in […]

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (Fair Deal) is a scheme of financial support for those who need long term residential care. Under Fair Deal, you pay a certain amount towards the cost of your care and the HSE pays the rest. The Fair Deal scheme was introduced under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) Act […]

Succession planning is one of the most important conversations taking place on farms today. With an ageing farming population, rising land values, increasing scale requirements, and growing financial pressures, many farm families are asking the same question: How can we bring the next generation into the business while protecting the viability of the farm and […]

Getting good taxation advice is key ingredient in creating a successful succession plan. It is important to complete a taxation calculation, prior to any handover taking place. If there is a potentially large tax bill, then it might be possible to mitigate against this, by adjusting the plan or timelines of the transfer. With good […]

Mike and Birdy Slattery have been farming in Barbaha, just outside Nenagh in Tipperary for over 30 years.  Mike took over the running of the farm when he was 27 years old, after his Father Jimmy passed.  Prior to this, Jimmy had inherited the farm from his uncle, Jim Slattery, when he was very young.  […]

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has long recognised the challenge of generational renewal in Ireland. To this end, the Programme for Government prioritises “supporting inter-generational farm succession” alongside collaborative farming initiatives to ensure the viability and sustainability of agriculture in Ireland.  Integral to these objectives is the promotion of two partnership initiatives: […]

Generational renewal depends on young farmers being willing and able to step into ownership and management – and on them being able to finance the investments that go with that step. Sensible planned use of finance can allow a viable successor to move earlier, invest smarter and build a sustainable career on the farm. Poorly […]

Succession is one of the most important decisions any farming family will make. It determines who will own the land, lead the business and make the decisions that will shape the future of the farm. As Ireland focuses on generational renewal, much of the discussion centres on encouraging young people into farming and identifying the […]

If there’s one question I’m asked more than any other by farm families, it’s, “Where do we start?” My answer is always the same: start early. Every family is different, and no two succession plans are ever the same. Succession isn’t just about handing over the farm. It’s about planning for the future of the […]

Farmers are continually investing in the future of their businesses through land, livestock, machinery and buildings. Yet one investment that is often overlooked is their own retirement.  That is understandable. Farming is built on tangible assets that can be seen, used and improved every day. However, while investing in the farm is essential, investing in […]

Handing the reins to the next generation shouldn’t mean handing over your only income. Too many farmers delay letting successors take the lead because they can’t afford to cut back. A simple plan now by paying the right PRSI and having an additional pension, gives you choice, dignity and smoother succession. Without needing to look […]

For students and parents exploring career and education options, Teagasc offers one of Ireland’s most comprehensive learning pathways in agriculture, horticulture, equine studies, forestry, food production and the wider agri-food sector. Combining practical training, academic progression and strong industry links, Teagasc provides opportunities from QQI Level 5 right through to postgraduate qualifications at Levels 9 […]

Teagasc is the primary provider of accredited further (vocational) education for the agricultural and land-based sectors. Teagasc has a major input into higher education and postgraduate education delivery through its extensive partnerships. Teagasc introduced four new apprenticeship programmes for the land-based sector in 2023 and welcomes applications for apprenticeships due to start in September 2026. […]

As land-based industries navigate current and future sustainability challenges and regulations, it is essential that operators and managers are highly skilled. The Irish land-based sector is reliant on skilled farmers and operatives who can cope with such challenges as well as managing day-to-day productions task, work with people and meet business objectives. The next generation […]