Series of farm finance and budgeting meetings kicking off in Cork next week

IFA president Francie Gorman said that farmers in all sectors have experienced difficult trading conditions in the past 12 months

A series of regional meetings will be held in the coming weeks to discuss farm finance and budgeting in the context of significant cashflow pressures on farms.

The first meeting will take place next Thursday, August 29, in Cork Marts, Fermoy, Co Cork.

The following three meetings:

• September 2, Newpark Hotel, Co Kilkenny;
• September 9, Bloomfield House Hotel, Mullingar; 
• September 11, McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris.

The Irish Farmers' Association is organising the meetings. 

IFA president Francie Gorman said that farmers in all sectors have experienced difficult trading conditions in the past 12 months, with higher input prices and reduced output squeezing margins.

“The combined effect of higher costs and challenging weather for the last 12 months has had a massively negative impact on cashflow for farmers," Mr Gorman said. 

"Additional feed has had to be used throughout the year to compensate for poor grass growth and difficult grazing conditions."

IFA farm business chairman Bill O'Keeffe said Teagasc and financial institutions have been invited to discuss how farmers should prepare their businesses for the months ahead.

“We will have a Teagasc specialist on managing winter fodder. The focus will be on the importance of early feed budgeting for winter 2024/2025 and knowing your farm demand and managing in advance of any potential deficit," Mr O'Keeffe added.