Teagasc GROdairy programme aims to unlock opportunities for the next generation of dairy farmers
New research from Teagasc Moorepark indicates that over nine hundred new collaborative farming opportunities could become available on Irish dairy farms over the next decade, through models such as share farming, long-term land leasing, and contract rearing. With the right advice, support and structures in place, the modelling suggests this figure could increase further as more farms are offered into such models.
The research comes as the Teagasc GROdairy programme is launched in Nenagh, County Tipperary today, Wednesday, 9 September, to help farmers plan for the future and create pathways for the next generation. The GROdairy programme has been developed to support dairy farmers considering their future involvement in the farm, while creating opportunities for skilled and ambitious people seeking to progress their careers in dairy farming.
The research, undertaken through Teagasc’s People in Dairy Research Programme, also indicates that 38% of dairy farmers over 50 years old have not identified a successor, highlighting the potential scale of the generational renewal challenge, but also the opportunity for collaborative farming arrangement including share farming, land leasing, and contract rearing.
Teagasc Director, Professor Frank O’Mara, said the figures point to an important opportunity for Irish dairy farming. He said, “Generational renewal is often seen as a challenge, but it is also a significant opportunity. We have experienced farmers with knowledge, land, and resources, alongside a new generation looking to build careers in dairy farming. GROdairy is about creating pathways that can socialise and normalise models that bring the two together and give farmers more options for the future.”
Nine GROdairy Demonstration Farms will showcase different career and collaborative farming pathways, allowing current farmers and young people interested in farming to see how these arrangements work in practice.
For one of the demonstration farmers, Kerry Desmond, who has progressed his dairy career through share farming, having access to opportunities outside traditional family succession has been vital to allow him to develop his career as a farmer. He said, ““Farm management and then share farming gave me the opportunity to take responsibility, build equity, and develop my skills as a dairy farmer. There are people with the ambition to farm who may not have a family farm to step into. We need to show them that there are different pathways into dairy farming.”
GROdairy, in participating co-operative regions, will provide farmers considering stepping back with access to an independent, confidential one-to-one future planning consultation with a Teagasc Joint Programme Advisor.
The consultation will look at the current farm business, the farmer’s personal and family goals, and the options available for the future. Farmers will receive a tailored Action Plan, with an optional Five-Year Business Plan also available.
Dr Conor Hogan, Teagasc People in Dairy Programme Manager, said the focus is on turning potential opportunities into practical pathways. He said, “Collaborative farming can create opportunities for both those stepping up and stepping back. GROdairy will provide a clear roadmap for successful collaborative arrangements, giving young people the skills, support, and structure they need to develop and make these arrangements work, while giving established farmers clear options to remain involved in the dairy sector.
For young farmers, GROdairy will also establish a National Farm Progression Network, providing opportunities for peer learning, business and financial training, expert insights, and connections with other farmers.
Professor O’Mara said the message for farmers is to begin the conversation early. Speaking at the launch of the GroDairy Programme he said; “Planning for the future does not mean stepping away from the farm. It means creating choices. The earlier that process begins, the more options farmers are likely to have. I would encourage farmers to use the opportunities available through our Joint Programmes to start that process. I would like to thank the nine farmers who have agreed to allow their farms be demonstration farms for this programme.”
GROdairy will support farmers at different stages of their careers to plan, progress and create opportunities for the future.
People interested in GROdairy can contact their local Teagasc advisor or visit www.teagasc.ie/grodairy
WATCH: Paul Maher, GroDairy Specialist Advisor, meets with landowners Imelda and Tom Walsh and dairy farmer Kieran Kennedy to hear about their experience. Kieran began leasing the Walsh family farm in 2023, and the arrangement has been a success for both Kieran and the Walshs https://youtu.be/7z__5GAUNAM