Carbery Group has launched Shared Futures, a generational renewal programme to support farmer shareholders and their families as they plan for the future of their farms.

Carbery has appointed Ellen Hurley as its dedicated farm succession officer, to ensure consistent delivery of the programme for farmers.

Research conducted by Carbery Group across its supply base revealed that 54% of Carbery farmers do not have a successor identified. The research also found that 25% of Carbery shareholders plan to retire within the next five years. If no successor could be identified, 32% said they would be leasing the farm; 14% would consider a farm partnership and 10% would consider a shared farming model.

ADVERTISEMENT

Shared Futures

Shared Futures will provide free confidential one-to-one information sessions, helping families understand available options for independent professional services, including legal, accounting and agricultural supports.

It will also support young farmers and new entrants seeking viable pathways into dairy farming. Ellen Hurley will work across the supplier base, helping to connect retiring farmers with those interested in collaborative models such as share farming, long-term leasing or other partnership arrangements.

Hurley said many farm families know they need to consider future planning, but are unsure where to begin.

“Many farm families know that succession, farm transfer or future planning is something they may need to think about, but it can be difficult to know where to start or what options may be available.”

Shared Futures aims to give practical information and support to families, which should be considered alongside independent legal, tax, financial and agricultural advice, not in place of it.

It also will support young farmers who may not have a traditional route into dairy farming.

“For young farmers and new entrants, collaborative models can also create a route into dairy farming where a traditional farm transfer may not be possible,” Hurley said.

“Our role is to help start those conversations earlier, provide clear information, and support a better understanding of the pathways that may help farming remain viable and attractive for the next generation,” she concluded.

Leasing

Carbery supplier, Tomás White, who is currently under a long-term lease arrangement, said he did not have the option of taking the traditional route into full-time farming.

“I grew up on a beef farm, but that was always part-time because there was never enough in it to sustain another full-time income at home.”

White went on to work in the dairy industry in New Zealand to gain further experience.

“When I returned to Ireland, this long-term lease arrangement gave me a pathway into dairy farming and the opportunity to build a future in the sector,” he said.

“Long-term leasing and share farming are not the typical entry routes into dairy farming, so there was a lot to learn when I first started off.”

“That is why a programme like Shared Futures is welcome. It gives people practical information, helps them understand what options may be available, and can make it easier for young farmers and existing farmers to begin the right conversations.”

“For someone like me, it shows that there are different ways into farming. You do not always have to come through the traditional route, but you do need the right information, the right independent professional input, and the right people around you,” White concluded.

Shared Futures will bring together a series of practical supports and events over the next five years, including farm succession information stands at events, dedicated information sessions with professional advisors, a Young Farmer award and future programmes for young farmers and new entrants.

In 2026, further activities will include a Carbery/Teagasc mini-clinic series in October and the launch of the Young Farmer award at the Carbery’s Milk Quality and Sustainability awards in November.