After a particularly strong finish to the second half of last year, it will be interesting to watch how the land market performs in the early months of 2015. Demand for land was very strong last year, particularly from dairy farmers with an eye on the end of quotas and expansion in mind.

However, after a difficult year for beef farmers and an expected slump in milk prices predicted for the coming year, the land market may come under pressure this year.

A compact farm for sale by public auction in mid-February may provide an early indicator of where the mood is at among farmers right now. Situated in Mayladstown, Ballypatrick, Clonmel, Co Tipperary, this 43.75-acre farm is described as of the “highest quality”.

According to selling agent Pat Quirke of PF Quirke Auctioneers, Clonmel, this is an “outstanding opportunity” for anyone hoping to purchase a decent-sized holding. The farm is all in grass and has frontage onto three separate roads, including the N76 between Clonmel and Kilkenny. The land, which is laid out in six divisions, is said to be in excellent condition having been maintained by a suckler farmer for the last number of years. It also includes cattle handling facilities, a crush and a two-span hayshed. Pat Quirke will offer the farm for sale by public auction on Tuesday 17 February at noon, in the offices of PF Quirke in Clonmel.

“This is undoubtedly one of the best parcels of land to come to the market in this area in recent times,” says Quirke, who is guiding in the region of €600,000 (€13,700/acre) for the entire farm.

Two parcels on offer

Pat Quirke is also handling the sale of two properties by private treaty in the south Tipperary region. The first farm for sale is situated at Ballyhomuck, Cloneen, Co Tipperary, and extends to 21 acres.

This non-residential holding has frontage onto the main road into the village of Cloneen. The land is all in grass and laid out in a number of paddocks. According to Quirke the land is “highly productive” and includes good stock-handling facilities close to the roadside. The farm at Ballyhomuck is for sale by private treaty and is guided at €220,000.

The second parcel is situated in Loughloher and Newtownadam, just outside the town of Cahir, Co Tipperary. The land is laid out in two separate fields, in close proximity to one another. The first field is 5.3 acres in size, while the second and smaller field comprises 3.8 acres, giving a total area just over nine acres. The larger parcel is in tillage, while the smaller field is in grass. The land is described by Quirke as “excellent quality ground” in a convenient location.

It’s for sale by private treaty in the entire or in separate lots. Quirke is guiding €105,000 or €11,500/acre for the land. CL