Generational Renewal Week 2025

From Monday, 8th September to Friday, 12th September we will host a hybrid programme of events, including three webinars and two farm walks held across the country. Whether you are just starting to consider succession planning or are ready to take the next step, generational renewal week has something for everyone.

Generation Renewal: A Growing Priority in Irish Agriculture

Generation renewal has become a key topic of discussion in Ireland following the establishment of the Commission on Generation Renewal in October 2024.  The Commission recently submitted its findings to the Minister for Agriculture, and the industry now eagerly awaits the publication of its report.

With the average age of Irish farmers currently at 59, and many reporting 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.

Purpose of Generation Renewal Week

Generation Renewal Week aims to showcase opportunities for young people to build fulfilling careers in farming, while also supporting older farmers in stepping 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.

We will explore how collaborative farming arrangements, such as registered farm partnerships, share farming, land leasing, and more can create valuable opportunities for both outgoing and incoming farmers.  A key part of the week is helping families and farm stakeholders begin these important conversations, both within the home and with external advisors.

What’s Happening during Generational Renewal Week?

Collaborative Farming Webinar
Monday, 8th 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.

Register for the webinar here!

Farm Succession & Inheritance Webinar
Tuesday, 9th 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 Geoghan, Teagasc. The webinar will also cover the importance of making a will with James McDonnell, Financial Specialist, Teagasc.

Register for the webinar here!

Suckler Beef Farm Walk with Jerry and Shane O’Connor,  Co Roscommon F45 C623
Wednesday, 10th September  |  6.30pm

Join us on Wednesday, 10th September for a farm walk with father-and-son team Jerry and Shane O’Connor, who farm 18 suckler cows alongside a beef enterprise through a joint venture.

This event will explore their current farming system, business performance, and how they’ve structured their joint venture. A key focus will be on succession planning — including collaborative arrangements, tax considerations, and reliefs — offering valuable guidance on successfully transferring a farm from one generation to the next.

Register for the Suckler Beef Farm Walk here

Taxes and Reliefs Webinar
Thursday, 11th 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.

Register for the webinar here!

Dairy Farm Walk with Tony McCormack and Chris Cahill’s farm, Clonyn, Delvin, Co Westmeath, N91 PT61
Friday, 12th September  |  11am

Generational Renewal Week will finish with a farm walk at Tony McCormack and Chris Cahill’s farm in Clonyn, Delvin, Co Westmeath, N91 PT61.

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 full-time off-farm, sought to maintain involvement in farming without being engaged in the day-to-day operations and management.

Since its establishment in 2021, the partnership has effectively met the needs of both parties and continues to operate successfully.

Register for the Dairy Farm Walk here

Don’t forget – We will be running our annual Transferring the Family Farm in October. These clinics are designed to help farm families through the process and all aspects that need to be considered when transferring the family farm and take place in six locations across the country.  If you are interested in registering please do so at https://teagasc.ie/rural-economy/farm-management/succession–inheritance/transferring-the-family-farm/