Spring 2015 was one of the strongest conacre and leasing seasons of the past few years, land agents report. High initial demand was fuelled by young farmers eager to acquire land for the Young Farmers’ Scheme before the end of March deadline.

The intense heat went out of the market when it emerged that a young farmer could only use “naked land” to enter this scheme. Anything fresh to the market last spring made €200/acre to €300/acre and more in some areas, depending on quality and location.

As the season progressed, it became clear that there was a notable uptake in the number of long-term lease arrangements. Landowners were more willing to enter such agreements given the attractive tax incentives that are available.

In general, the level of activity in the autumn period is minimal and mostly confined to the winter cereals regions. The fact that a substantial amount of land is tied up in long-term leases has meant that less land has been made available this autumn for conacre.

One Wexford-based agent quoted €180 to €200/acre for winter crops sown this autumn, while another in the Meath area let land for tillage for €160 to €180/acre.

Entitlements

Looking ahead, one Leinster-based agent predicted that a higher portion of land with entitlements will be made available next year.

Some farmers held land this year to activate their new entitlements but may opt to lease the full package next spring.

Another agent said that he is getting a notable number of calls from farmers looking to take land for maize next spring. These guys grow the maize to sell it on to dairy farmers later in the year.