Securing the next generation of dairy farmers

Over the past decade, Irish dairy farming has seen significant growth in herd size, milk output, and production efficiency resulting in increased farm incomes and rural vitality.

New stats just published by the NFS have shown that family farm income was the second highest ever at just over €108,000 in 2024.

However, generational renewal has emerged as a key structural challenge within the dairy industry.

Only 14% of Irish dairy farm holders are under 44 years old, compared with 37% in 2005, raising concerns about who will run Ireland’s dairy farms in the future.

Without a pipeline of enthusiastic and well-educated young farmers entering and progressing within the sector, the recent growth and productivity gains are at risk.

A renewed focus on creating attractive workplaces that support clear and appealing career pathways into the sector are required, particularly in the context of an increasingly competitive employment market.

Fewer young people today are attracted to dairy farming because of perceived long working hours, limited time-off, political and economic uncertainty, and the negative portrayal of farming careers in wider society.

At the same time, a buoyant jobs market and greater access to higher education mean more career options for school leavers, intensifying competition for talent.

Recent surveys of agricultural science students highlight their career priorities: pay and income (77%), job satisfaction (68%), and working hours/time off (64%).

These findings highlight key areas to focus on for attracting and retaining the next generation, as well as supporting current farmers.

Operating an efficient and productive system maximises farm profit securing livelihoods while also serving to attract and retain skilled, and highly educated individuals.

Profitability must underpin any strategy to improve working conditions and sustain viable farm businesses. It provides the financial capability to invest in facilities and labour-saving technologies.

On top of this, it creates a scenario where staff recruitment is more likely, which in turn can facilitate a better work/life balance.

The work environment heavily influences job satisfaction.

Inefficient work practices and facilities can lead to longer working hours and more physically demanding labour, discouraging both new workers and family involvement.

Reviewing current practices and infrastructure to identify inefficiencies and implement improvements is essential – especially given the positive economic outlook for 2025. Milking and calf care account for 47% of all labour input during February and March, making them a logical starting point.

For milking, keeping the number of rows manageable (ideally seven or eight), aiming for one person in the pit where possible, avoiding the need to leave the pit during milking, and using automatic gate releases, can deliver significant time and labour savings.

Farmers should also evaluate their calf-rearing facilities, ensuring adequate space, using group pens to train calves, and consider technologies such as automatic calf feeders.

Dairy farms need systems that allow more flexibility and genuine time away from the farm without sacrificing performance. It does not mean that farmers are required to take time off, but rather that they have the option to do so, whether to rest, invest time in other parts of the business, or pursue hobbies. Shortening the workday, such as finishing by 6pm, supported by a 16:8 hour milking interval could help. Multiple Teagasc studies, corroborated by research in France and New Zealand, confirm that reducing the interval to 16:8 hours has no negative impact on milk yield or somatic cell count.

Additionally, being proactive about workforce planning is one of the most effective strategies to manage workload, particularly in spring. Ensuring that skilled people, whether family members, students, or employees, are available to support key tasks and provide cover during emergencies is crucial. Embracing innovation, investing in people, and fostering a positive work environment will improve work/life balance and resilience, ensuring farm attractiveness for the next generation. While some farmers are uncomfortable being away from their farms, they must consider the portrayal that they are providing for individuals that they may see as the next generation on that farm. As the industry evolves, focusing on income, job satisfaction, and flexibility will be key to sustaining vibrant family farms.