From a national perspective, is it desirable that any Tom, Dick or Harry can buy land and put it to whatever use they wish, or even no use at all, asks rural accountant Kieran Coughlan.

Maybe it’s a case that I’m looking back with rose-tinted glasses at a time when one could get value for money

Beneficiaries who avail of Agricultural Relief see the taxable value of the gift or inheritance of 'agricultural property' (including farmland, buildings, stock) reduced by 90%

For farmers currently in derogation, it would be worthwhile scenario-planning what actions to take if the derogation is lost or unavailable in their catchment, writes farmer and rural accountant Kieran Coughlan

The problem with the current Nitrate Derogation rules is that the link between the actions that one farmer takes and the nitrate loading in his or her catchment area is insignificant, writes Kieran Coughlan

Higher farm profits usually result in higher income tax liabilities, but the tax liabilities don’t usually manifest themselves until the following year, writes rural accountant Kieran Coughlan

The phenomenon of non-farming persons buying up land for tax purposes as a means of passing on wealth has become more than just an anecdote

Forest owners will be pleased to know that insurance proceeds relating to the damage of forests can be exempted from income tax, writes rural accountant Kieran Coughlan

Where a successor is not interested in farming, the opportunity cost of retaining ownership of the farm should in the cold light of day be put up for comparison against other options

The Irish dairy industry may face rationalisation in the year ahead if current trends continue.Domestic milk intake by processors this year was down 242m litres by the end of June compared to this time last year with the month itself down 13.3m ...