Rented land will play a big role in any expansion

A survey of 275 farming clients of agricultural consultants indicates dairy and beef output expansion plans are in line with Food Harvest 2020 ambitions. The nationwide survey was conducted in recent months on behalf of Ulster Bank.

Dr Ailish Byrne, senior agricultural manager, Ulster Bank, said: “These results show the progressive and commercial nature of today’s farmers which will drive expansion in output over the coming years.”

Michael Brady, managing director of the Cork-based Brady Group, and President of the Agricultural Consultants Association, welcomes farmers’ positive responses to the survey, but noted that they were less bullish than they were in surveys conducted by the dairy co-ops last year.