With the sun setting on 2025, Andy Ryder, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Westport, encourages drystock farmers to review the performance of their farms over the past 12 months in order to plan effectively for the year ahead.
2025 is not over yet, but it has been one of the best years for some farmers in a long time due to the combination of good prices paid for livestock, good animal performance from grass and favourable weather conditions at critical times during the year.
The reason I say some farmers as several farmers in non-breeding systems or are lowly stocked have found their margins tighter than last year.
So, it is important that all farmers review how 2025 has went and plan for the 2026. At farm level review the following.
Herd/Flock performance
Even with record high prices of animals there is scope on most farms to improve animal performance at farm level. Some of the performance indicators include:
- Calves/cow/year or lambs reared per ewe
- Calving spread
- Weaning weight.
- Culling policy
- Condition score of ewes at mating
- Mortality rate
By focusing on the flock/herd performance, it might boost output and at current market prices it will increase profitability and reduce labour on the farm.
2025 scheme requirements
There is up to €225 per suckler cow (on first 22 cows) and €25 per ewe available this year, so farmers should re-check what schemes there are in and what requirements needed to be completed by the end of the year to hold on to all payments.
Income tax
In 2024 a lot of farmers who were in the ACRES scheme received two payments in one year. This caught most farmers off guard as the second payment came very late in the year. This year has seen no additional schemes opened so most payments should be similar to last year. There was no change in tax bands in the budget. Farms that had a good year selling stock still have time to reduce their tax bill next year. Try to prioritise spending on the farm to areas that will improve the running of the farm. Examples include.
- Fencing
- Lime applications
- Improve gates and handling facilities
- Forward purchasing of meal/fertiliser/fuel
- Pay contractors fully in 2025
- Assess if there is any essential machinery that needs purchasing
Water Quality
The EPA published the most recent report of the quality of the water in our rivers and estuaries. Quality of water in Ireland since the last EPA report has slightly declined. Greater effort at farm level is required. Is there work needed around farmyards such as repair to eavegutters, improvements to slurry storage and improvement of bale storage areas. If you want advice on fertiliser requirements and ways to help improve water quality contact your advisor.
For some farmers it maybe time to reflect on the future of their farm enterprise.
Changes to farm system
Is the farm currently making money? Non-breeding enterprises are currently faced with purchasing expensive stock and no guarantee that they will see a return in the future. It has disrupted their system of farming. Could introducing a breeding enterprise help with reducing some of the risk?
Encourage the next generation in to farming
Farmers themselves need to be more active in this area. They need to encourage their children/niece or nephews to complete suitable agriculture education courses. 2026 could be the year for you to start the journey of transferring the farm. Look for help and advice in areas such as:
- How to make a will?
- Tax planning around farm transfer
- Schemes available to help farm transfers
- Farming and pensions
- Joint herd numbers/Farm partnerships
Farmers themselves need to be part of the process and look to drive the agenda well in advance of transferring the farm. Best of luck with your farming enterprise in the coming months.