Containing the exodus: the key factors that could keep farmers in the game
Farmers around the world have a reputation for being tough and resilient. I admire our farmers in Ireland who deal with problems on a daily basis such as price fluctuations, changing weather conditions, new legislation, labor shortages to name a few.
However, a recent trip to Zimbabwe, where commercial (white) farmers were forcibly evicted from their land in the 2000s, takes the definition of “tough and resilient” to a much higher level.
The remaining commercial farmers have no claim to the land they farm, cannot obtain bank financing and have limited support from agribusiness services, but they fight on and survive.
When Ireland gained independence from Britain in 1921, there were over 360,000 farmers in the state; 100 years later there are around 140,000. Since the founding of the state, we have lost more than six farmers every day.
If we continued at this pace there would be no farmers left in Ireland by 2085.
What will happen in the next 100 years?
There are many categories of farmers: arable, beef, sheep, dairy, swine, poultry, and forestry; then there are big farmers and small farmers; full-time and part-time; organic and conventional; grass-based or captive; irrigated or non-irrigated; Family or factory… the list goes on.
To me the two most relevant categories to look at when forecasting the future of Irish agriculture are full-time commercial farmers and hobby/part-time farmers.
What factors will affect the survival of today’s 140,000 farmers in our country in the next 100 years?
love of country
True farmers have an innate love of the land. John B. Keane’s portrayal of Bull McCabe in the play The field typical of this type of farmer.
Pride in the land and love of farming surpasses all other reasons for living. These emotions have been passed down from generation to generation on many Irish farms and have become a tradition, often compounded by the fear or failure or step with the neighbours.
If these farmers are steered in the right direction, there is no fear for their survival; it will not matter what business they run, whether they are large or small, full time or part time – they will endure and many will thrive.
successor
Succession affects the survival of many farms in Ireland.
The majority of family farms are sole traders. In order for a farm to survive, it is passed on to the next generation, which traditionally has been the eldest son.
Today, I often meet farmers who run full-time, commercially viable farms, but none of their children or extended family members are interested in taking over the business.
Of course, everyone has an eye on inheriting the land, but is that a burden or a blessing for the parents?
For me it’s neither one nor the other: if the children are very interested, accept it and decide who will continue the family business; but also when no family member is interested in planning the winding up of the business or continuing it by entering into a partnership with a third party.
In any case, successors or lack of will have a major impact on the number of farmers in the future.
profitability
profit is king? Or is it not just about the money?
Which saying is true when it comes to the survival of Irish farms?
In fact, both are relevant. Of course, full-time commercial farmers need profit to survive and thrive.
Dairy farmers have traditionally been able to make a good net profit per hectare without direct payments.
Our climate and low production costs are comparable to the best in the world.
The reality is you don’t need to be a very good dairy farmer to survive in Ireland: the average dairy herd of 100 cows generates a net profit of over €80,000 per head
Year. In contrast, the other companies find it difficult to generate profit margins, especially when direct payments are reduced or eliminated.
This is where the hobby farmer comes in: The family’s cattle, sheep, arable or small dairy farm, complemented by a good part-time job for one or both spouses, can provide a viable and enjoyable lifestyle choice.
Good highways and the rollout of better broadband and remote work will surely expand such lifestyle choices and encourage the survival of low-margin but labor-efficient farms.
Low-tax, subsidized hobby farming that maximizes income and minimizes labor will work for these farmers.
Education, research, training and consulting
In Ireland, farmers are immeasurable in terms of education, research, training and advice. This gives us an extra edge when it comes to farm survival in the future.
In other countries, farms fail due to a lack of advice and guidance on farming systems and practices. We have this information in abundance as the entire industry is involved from farm to fork.
Overall, we know for sure that no matter the many obstacles along the way, farmers will rise to the challenge and evolve to cope, survive, and even thrive.
Mike Brady is Agricultural Consultant and Managing Director of Brady Group, Cork
https://www.independent.ie/business/farming/comment/stemming-the-exodus-the-key-factors-that-could-keep-farmers-in-the-game-42133305.html Containing the exodus: the key factors that could keep farmers in the game
