More than 900 new collaborative farming opportunities could become available on Irish dairy farms over the next decade, according to new research from Teagasc Moorepark.

The opportunities could arise through models such as share farming, long-term land leasing and contract rearing.

Teagasc said that with the right advice, support and structures in place, the modelling suggests this figure could increase further as more farms are offered into such models.

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The research comes as the Teagasc GROdairy programme was launched in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary on 9 September, to help farmers plan for their futures and create pathways for the next generation.

The programme has been developed to support dairy farmers considering their future involvement in the farm, while creating opportunities for skilled and ambitious people seeking to progress their careers in dairy farming.

The research also indicates that 38% of dairy farmers over 50 years of age have no identified successor, highlighting the potential scale of the generational renewal challenge but also opportunities for collaborative farming arrangements.

Teagasc director, Professor Frank O’Mara said the findings point to opportunities for Irish dairy farming.

“Generational renewal is often seen as a challenge, but it is also a significant opportunity. We have experienced farmers with knowledge, land, and resources, alongside a new generation looking to build careers in dairy farming,” he said.

Demonstration farms

Nine GROdairy demonstration farms will showcase different career and collaborative farming pathways, allowing current farmers and young people interested in farming to see how these pathways work in practice.

Demonstration farmer Kerry Desmond said farm management and share farming has given him the opportunity to take responsibility, build equity and develop his skills as a dairy farmer.

“There are people with the ambition to farm who may not have a family farm to step into. We need to show them that there are different pathways into dairy farming,” he said.

In participating co-operative regions, GROdairy will offer farmers considering stepping back an independent and confidential one-to-one future planning consultation with a Teagasc Joint Programme adviser.

The consultation will examine the farm business, personal and family goals and available options, with farmers receiving a tailored action plan and the option of a five-year business plan.

Dr Conor Hogan, Teagasc people in dairy programme manager, said collaborative farming could provide opportunities for both those “stepping up and stepping back”.

For young farmers, GROdairy will also establish a national farm progression network, providing opportunities for peer learning, business and financial training, expert insights, and connections with other farmers.

Professor O’Mara is encouraging farmers to begin future planning conversations early.

“Planning for the future does not mean stepping away from the farm. It means creating choices. The earlier that process begins, the more options farmers are likely to have,” he said.