Irish Farm Report 2026

Welcome to ifac's Irish Farm Report 2026. This Report contains the results of our 8th annual Irish Farm Survey. The Report explores the experiences, concerns and ambitions of farm families across Ireland. It shines a light on the resilience and determination at the heart of Irish agriculture, as farmers adapt to changing regulations, market conditions and cost pressures, while positioning their businesses to seize new opportunities in an increasingly complex global environment.Our report examines the emerging trends across all sectors and shares advice as we come into 2026 and look forward to the years ahead.

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The report features findings from our annual survey containing the views of over 1,000 farmers.

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Hear from Philip O'Connor, Head of Farm Support for ifac, as he shares key insights

Farmer confidence is now at its highest level in 5 years, with 61% of farmers expressing a positive view of the future. This is a promising signal for the long-term resilience and sustainability of Irish farming.

2025 was another year of mixed outcomes for Irish farmers. While output prices were strong for much of the year across a number of sectors, volatility remained a defining feature, with significant variation both within and between enterprises as the year progressed.

The latest ifac Irish Farm Report 2026 highlights both persistent challenges and renewed optimism across the farming sector. While 2 in 5 farmers have no identified formal successor, 1 in 3 remain unaware of their potential tax liability for 2026, and 70% do not prepare budgets, the overall outlook has improved significantly.

Succession

2 in 5

farmers do not have a formal successor

Outlook

67%

intend to remain in farming over the next 5 years and 23% are unsure, unchanged from last year

Environment

44%

state that renewable energy technology will have the biggest impact on farm in the next 5-10 years

Succession

26%

of farmers believe the top barriers to succession are business viability and lifestyle not appealing to the next generation

Outlook

61%

of farmers are positive about the future, which is up on all previous years

Employment

32%

are unfamiliar with the upcoming auto-enrolment pension scheme, while 31% understand the need but are concerned about the costs

Succession

2 in 5

do not have a will in place

Succession

28%

Of those with no successor would consider leasing out land, 25% would scale back farm operations

Succession

1 in 4

don’t have a private pension in place

Finances

1 in 3

are unaware of potential tax liability for next year

Outlook

61%

of farmers are positive about the future, at it’s highest rate in 5 years

“For those not budgeting and actively managing finances, now is the time to start, and we can help. Our mission at ifac is to turn these findings into action and to ensure our clients succeed on the farm and in business."

John Donoghue, ifac CEO

Sector analysis

View breakdown per sector

Our cover story: How a case of unplanned succession has ended up with a shining example of making every possible cent from sheep

David Heraty lost his father at a tragically young age but has gone on to create an operation that is a fitting tribute to him.

A finalist in the 2025 Young Farmer of the Year Awards and winner of the Land Mobility Award, David exemplifies how careful planning, innovation and sound financial advice can turn adversity into long-term success.

Read the full story here