Share farming and succession pathways open day taking place

At Gurteen dairy farm in Bandon, West Cork, for the launch of the shared farming and succession pathways open day that takes place on May 22 was Grainne Hurley, Teagasc West Cork: Conor Hogan, Teagasc Moorepark; Guss O'Brien, Shinagh estates; Kerry Desmond, share farmer; Ruth Fennell, Teagasc; and Darragh O'Donovan, Carbery. Picture: Denis Boyle

A new open day event taking place this month is set to showcase practical pathways for young farmers to progress and demonstrate alternative transition pathways for farmers wishing to step back.

Teagasc, in collaboration with Shinagh Estates and Carbery, are delighted to announce a share farming and succession pathways open say on Thursday, May 22, at 11am. This event will take place on Gurteen Farm, Shinagh Estates, in Bandon, West Cork (Eircode: P72 P298). 

The Gurteen farm, which is jointly owned by the four West Cork dairy co-operatives, Bandon, Barryroe, Drinagh and Lisavaird, has been operating under a share farming model for the past eight years. 

Share farming, one of many collaborative farming arrangements, involves the landowner and the share farmer entering into an agreement whereby they operate two separate businesses on the same block of land. 

As part of the Gurteen arrangement, Shinagh Estates provides the land and facilities, and the share farmer, Kerry Desmond, provides the livestock and labour. The landowners cover the costs associated with farm maintenance, while Kerry covers livestock health and breeding costs. All other costs are split 60:40, with Kerry covering the 60%. The monthly milk cheque is also divided on this basis — 60:40.

At the open day, the existing share farming arrangement that is in place between Kerry and Shinagh Estates will be discussed, along with other collaborative arrangement options. 

Attendees will also hear from Padraig Cunnane, a previous share farmer, who used his time at Gurteen as a stepping stone to further his career in farming on a leased farm.

Reflecting on the share-farming opportunity, he said: “It not only opened doors for me, but it also blew them off the hinges.”

Speaking ahead of the event, Ruth Fennell, Teagasc collaborative farming specialist, said: “This open day offers something for everyone, whether you’re a farmer looking to take a step back from day-to-day operations, or a young farmer eager to develop a career in dairying.

"As well as exploring the collaborative models used in Gurteen, we’ll be covering the financial planning, tax, and legal aspects involved, key areas that people often have questions about when considering share farming or succession pathways.”

The open day will offer valuable insights for farmers exploring succession or step-back options, as well as for aspiring or expanding dairy farmers.