Some 2,395 jobs were created across 70 companies in 2017, an exclusive Irish Farmers Journal study has found. These jobs included 211 graduate roles, 136 student placements and internships and 780 seasonal roles.

The survey found employment growth across both meat and dairy sectors, with 500 jobs created in four dairy processors and over 790 jobs created in 11 meat processors.

Other major employers in 2017 included the Department of Agriculture, which created 130 roles, Kepak which created 291 new jobs and Kerry, where 260 new jobs were created.

The survey also found that 100 to 120 relief milkers and farm labourers will be recruited this spring by FRS alone.