Land Mobility update: less than a fifth of farmers plan to fully retire

Less than a fifth of farmers plan on fully retiring and many do not discuss their later life plans with loved ones, according to a new study from the University of Exeter in collaboration with NFU Mutual.
John McAllisterJohn McAllister
John McAllister

The work confirms that:

* Just 19% of farmers plan on fully retiring and those that do, retire at a later age than the wider population. The specific figure for Northern Ireland is 13.6%.

* Over a quarter of farmers (27%) have not discussed later life plans with anyone at all

* The smaller the farm the less likely the farmer will retire

* 21% of farmers plan to never give up

* Technological innovation could be key to enticing next generation with big change to agricultural payments looming

Nearly 700 farms across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland took part in the extensive university research, and the findings highlighted the unique approach farmers take to retirement.

Commenting on the research findings John McCallister, who heads up Northern Ireland’s Land Mobility Programme, said: “They serve to highlight the need for farming families to discuss succession in an open and frank manner.

“The Exeter work also shows that retirement can be a flexible option for farmers as they get older. But the fundamental requirement of having a succession plan in place, irrespective of what retirement option is looked at, remains totally valid.

“It is to be hoped that the results of the Exeter study can be used to kick start a further discussion within agriculture as a whole on the subject of farm succession.”

Meanwhile the Land Mobility Programme continues to go from strength to strength. Listed below are the November Land Mobility match-ups. If any of these opportunities are of interest to you, contact John McCallister. Phone: 07833 668602 or e mail: [email protected].

Farms available

Farm 1 - Co Antrim: 170 cow dairy farmer looking for share farmer. Farm has the capacity to increase cow numbers significantly. Good grazing block and laneways. Farmer open to options of share farming/profit share arrangement. This would allow a mix of share farmer bringing additionally cows to farm. An excellent opportunity.

Farm 2 - Co Tyrone: 160 cow herd close to 10,000 l average. Good parlour and high yielders on robot. Good grazing block. Farm has sheep and small number of suckler cows. Farmer interested in share farming or type of profit share. Excellent opportunity as farmer keen to start transition and stepping back.

Farm 3 – Co Down: over 200 acres of very good land. Former dairy farm so over 250 cubicles and no milking parlour but could be replaced. Farmer currently running a beef enterprise but wanting to step back and very open to options and keen to provide an opportunity for a young farmer.

Farm 4 – Co Londonderry: 60-acre main farm with over 200 acres of upland farmland. Good cattle housing and handling facilities. Farmer looking for options and happy to have some help on farm for use of land and sheds. Good suckler/beef and sheep farm.

Farm 5 – Co Londonderry: superb poultry unit looking for a young farmer for share farm/profit share arrangement. Excellent opportunity.

Farm 6 – Co Tyrone: business available for long term lease. 150 cubicles, milking parlour and milk tank. Good quality housing. Suitable for grazing or housed system. Good long-term opportunity.

Farm 7 – Co Limerick: starter opportunity. Role of Assistant Farm Manager on 450 cow grazing herd. Opportunity to keep 40/50 of your own cows on farm. Great way to gain experience in grass-based dairying and build up equity in livestock. Accommodation available on farm.

Young Farmers looking for:

1: Additional land and/or contract dairy heifer rearer. 130 cow unit probably need accommodation and summer grazing for 100 heifers in total. Co Armagh

2: Additional land and/or contract dairy heifer rearer. Would like accommodation and summer grazing for 100+ heifers in total but could start with smaller numbers and increase over time. Co Londonderry

3: Additional land for arable enterprise on long term lease. Will invest in land, soil testing regularly, building up soil structure, crop rotation and working land into very best condition. Experienced young farmer running successful arable business. Keen to enter long term agreement to provide security for both parties. Down/Armagh

4: Land and suitable housing for large number of dairy heifers. Would also consider a heifer rearing agreement if farm suitable and farmer wanting to manage dairy heifer. A good opportunity for a former dairy farm with good housing and cubicles. Co Down

5: Additional long-term land for arable business. Will invest in land. Has grown winter cover crops in improve land and very keen on a long-term agreement to allow for investment in the land. Co Down

6: Land, possibly for arable crops mainly for own use and help with slurry. Would consider different options from a long-term lease to share farm agreement. Co Down

7: Additional arable land on long term lease. Will invest in land, soil testing regularly, building up soil structure, crop rotation and working land into the very best condition. Co Londonderry, Campsie/Eglinton area.