As part of Generational Renewal Week, Collaborative Farming Specialist at Teagasc, Ruth Fennell visited Tony McCormack and Chris Cahill to learn how their registered farm partnership is benefiting both parties.
Now involved in a registered farm partnership, Tony McCormack’s farm is located in Caddagh, Westmeath. Some of the land has been in his family for generations, while other parts were purchased more recently. Together with his father Seamus, Tony expanded the farm to 115ha (111ha adjusted), including 20ha that are leased.
After securing his degree in Agricultural Science from UCD in 1995, he worked as a sales representative and later with the Westmeath Community Development Programme, but stayed involved in the family farm whenever possible.
In 2015, Tony took a more active role by leasing the farm from his father. Ownership transferred fully to Tony after eight years, except for 50ac given to his brother, which Tony now leases.
During the milk quota era, Tony milked 70-80 cows, alongside beef and sheep enterprises. After quotas ended in 2015, he increased his herd to over 100 cows and reduced the other livestock. Even while working off the farm, Tony managed it with help from full-time labour from November to April and relief milkers as needed.
About five years ago, Tony decided it was time for a change. His two daughters had helped out over the years but were pursuing different career paths. With no immediate farming successor, Tony began exploring options.
Leasing wasn’t considered, as he still wanted to be involved in running the farm. Managing alone was difficult, especially keeping up with technological advances and attending discussion groups. Hiring a manager wasn’t ideal since responsibility would still rest with Tony. Instead, he sought a partner to share the workload and responsibility.
Tony contacted the land mobility service and found their support invaluable throughout the planning stages, particularly crediting Patrick Brady for his guidance. In April 2021, Tony advertised in the Farmers Journal seeking a collaborator, outlining what the farm offered and his expectations. By May, he had interviewed eight candidates, each presenting their vision for the farm’s future. Chris Cahill stood out from the beginning with his technical expertise, excellent grassland management – he runs a grass measuring business – and strong knowledge of breeding and fertility. Tony believed Chris’ skills would greatly benefit the partnership.
After selecting Chris, they spent several months negotiating and planning before officially registering the farm partnership in January 2022, seven months after their first meeting. During this period, key changes were made: Tony’s 100 cows and heifers combined with similar numbers from Chris; the 69ha grazing and silage platform was converted entirely to grazing; a new 20-unit milking parlour was built; and winter accommodation was expanded to support the larger herd.
They chose a registered farm partnership to qualify for increased TAMS funding. Finances are managed through a single partnership bank account. Tony takes financial responsibility for capital investments, while Chris covers all labour costs, whether his own or external. All other farm expenses are covered by the partnership, with profits split 50:50.
Communication and future plans
The partnership has now been running for three and a half years. The initial agreement was for 10 years, allowing recovery of some capital investments. All the plans discussed during their 2021 negotiations have been implemented, and the system is settling after several years of significant change. Tony and Chris meet monthly, typically around when the milk cheque arrives, to discuss finances, but during busy periods, they may speak three or four times daily. Although Tony is not officially involved in daily farm work, he helps with milkings when needed and covers night calvings during the busy season, as Chris currently lives about 20 miles away. Tony remains actively involved in management by discussing all physical aspects of the farm with Chris.
Tony is very pleased with how the partnership is working and is optimistic it will continue beyond the initial 10-year term. They plan to revisit their long-term plans in year eight. Their collaboration demonstrates how unrelated parties can successfully work together through clear agreements, mutual commitment, and compromise.
Tony is very pleased with how the partnership is working and is optimistic it will continue beyond the initial 10-year term. They plan to revisit long-term plans in year eight. This collaboration highlights how unrelated parties can successfully work together with clear, well-defined agreements and mutual commitment.
Farm event
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