Message from the Director of Knowledge Transfer and Education

The majority of Irish farmers have come through a period of unprecedented volatility in output and input prices which has dramatically reduced profitability. The risk of volatility in the future remains and the only way an individual farmer can protect him or herself is to adopt low cost systems that utilise all the available research recommendations and improved practices that will maximise efficiency. Only through low cost and high efficiency can farmers ensure that they can survive during the difficult periods and maximise profit in the periods when output prices are most favourable.

Central to efficient low cost production is the adoption of newer research recommendations and improved practices. The Teagasc Better Farm programme is designed to provide farmers throughout the country with the opportunity to see best practice in operation and to acquire new skills.

Continuing education and training is necessary for anybody involved in an industry as dynamic and challenging as agriculture and horticulture. Teagasc provides a very wide range of practical, financial, technical and environmental training opportunities for farming and farm family members. By becoming a client of Teagasc and participating actively in its programmes you will be in a position to avail of these educational opportunities.

The extended period of low product prices and high input costs, together with the reduced availability of off-farm employment, has put enormous pressure on many farm families. Teagasc advisory staff are trained to assist you in understanding the underlying problems on your farm and in helping you to arrive at solutions. Teagasc advisers will advise and assist in negotiations with banks and merchants. Please don’t ignore your financial concerns but get the assistance of your adviser as soon as the danger signs show up. You can be guaranteed that the advice and support provided will be confidential and provided in your best interest and at very low cost.