Teagasc Assist Farmers Plan for the Future

Farmers are expected to invest close to €500 million on farms in 2006, this is an increase of 40% on the level of investment last year. Dairy and cattle farms will account for the highest level of planned investment, with over half of the anticipated expenditure expected to be on new buildings. Investments in land and machinery are also significant, while the amount of expenditure on quotas is expected to drop.

These figures emerged at the Teagasc Agriculture and Food 06 event taking place at Kildalton College, Piltown, Co Kilkenny today, Wednesday 21 June.

The Teagasc Director of Education and Development and chairman of the Agriculture and Food 06 organising committee, Donal Carey said: “This level of investment planned by farmers is a strong indication of the commitment of farmers to their industry in the future. It is a sign that there is confidence in farming, despite the obvious price pressures in some enterprises. There are a group of committed farmers out there and they are going to get bigger and better in the future.”

In Kildalton College today, Teagasc has provided the most up-to-date information available in the different ‘Enterprise Villages’ giving farmers the opportunity to carefully evaluate their options, and plan their future investments to reduce labour and improve efficiencies for the future.

The availability of quality labour on farms is a serious issue and one that can be addressed as part of a planned investment programme on farms to improve handling facilities.

Donal Carey said: “Teagasc has the technologies to support these farmers, and improve the levels of efficiency. There is a good future for the larger sized Irish dairy farmer, who is among the most competitive in the world. Other farmers are adjusting their enterprises and optimising their income from the environmental and other schemes.”

Today’s Teagasc event in Kildalton College has given individuals an opportunity to weigh up all their options and decide on the best direction for their farm business and their family.