Recent increases in fuel and fertiliser costs combined with a poorer milk price, a rocky start to beef prices and a God-awful spring weather-wise may easily have people in a lower mood than this time last year.

2025 was a dream year for livestock farmers, and as a result of increased farm profits we saw huge investments by farmers in developing their farms.

At the Teagasc Beef conference in Athenry last November, head of Drystock Pearse Kelly remarked that it was the first time in memory that tax was talked about at such an event.

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This year, profits will be lower, but the outlook on the drystock side, especially for suckler farmers, is still very positive.

When we have profits, we have two options: spend or save. I once heard a tax consultant say that farmers would spend money on anything to reduce their tax bill.

There is no harm in having a rainy day fund available, but when we are spending, we must do it wisely and making the farm safer and more efficient should be two of the priorities.

Investing in infrastructure

This week, I look at the Newford Herd’s new cattle handling facility which was likely a key talking point at Wednesdays’ open day. It’s great to see the investment in the project, even with the farm being at the disadvantage of not being able to avail of TAMS funding for it, unlike other farmers who would qualify for the 60% rate.

Elsewhere,Daire Cregg and I look at grazing infrastructure for both dairy and drystock farms. I recently reheard the phrase ‘grass grows wire’ and it’s very apt, especially in times of high fertiliser prices, while the tough spring weather wise should also prompt farmers to look at their grazing infrastructure for the shoulder of the year.

Finally, I look at completing farm developments in a safe manner with services in mind, and the ample resources available to farmers to assist them with such.