The Teagasc national farm survey is made up of responses from around 88,000 farms or 65% of Irish farms and it found that on average 77.4% of farm holders are married.
The lowest percentage of married farmers was found in the cattle rearing sector at 60.7%, which also accounted for the highest rate of single and separated farmers at 25.5% and 4.9%.
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Ireland's dairy sector has the highest share of married farmers compared with all other sectors, at 83.5%.
The Teagasc national farm survey sample is representative of a population of 88,000 farms or 65% of Irish farms and it found that on average 77.4% of farmers are married.
The lowest percentage of married farmers was found in the suckler sector at 60.7%, which also accounted for the highest rate of single and separated farmers at 25.5% and 4.9% respectively.
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In addition, on average, 18.3% of farm holders are considered single.
The average farm household was 2.87 people last year. This was again highest on dairy farms, with an average household size of 3.5 people.
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Meanwhile, the average age of a farm holder is 59 years. This figure is highest in the suckler sector at 61.7 and lowest on dairy farms at 54.7.
Family farm incomes have diversified in recent years, with off-farm incomes from the holder or spouse being counted on 60% of farms last year.
On 35.9% of farms, the farm holder or their spouse is drawing down a pension.
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Title: Over four in five dairy farmers are married
The Teagasc national farm survey is made up of responses from around 88,000 farms or 65% of Irish farms and it found that on average 77.4% of farm holders are married.
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Ireland's dairy sector has the highest share of married farmers compared with all other sectors, at 83.5%.
The Teagasc national farm survey sample is representative of a population of 88,000 farms or 65% of Irish farms and it found that on average 77.4% of farmers are married.
The lowest percentage of married farmers was found in the suckler sector at 60.7%, which also accounted for the highest rate of single and separated farmers at 25.5% and 4.9% respectively.
In addition, on average, 18.3% of farm holders are considered single.
The average farm household was 2.87 people last year. This was again highest on dairy farms, with an average household size of 3.5 people.
Finance
Meanwhile, the average age of a farm holder is 59 years. This figure is highest in the suckler sector at 61.7 and lowest on dairy farms at 54.7.
Family farm incomes have diversified in recent years, with off-farm incomes from the holder or spouse being counted on 60% of farms last year.
On 35.9% of farms, the farm holder or their spouse is drawing down a pension.
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