Strong turnout for Ballyhoura Development collaborative farming talk
Ballyhoura Development welcomed over 50 farmers from across the region to their second informative talk of 2026, which took place in Co. Limerick.
This was part of the Farm Forward – Connecting Generations for the Future European Innovation Partnership (EIP) Programme. The event, ‘Empower Your Farm – Secure Your Future’, took place at the Deebert House Hotel in Kilmallock.
Ballyhoura Development said the gathering had “a valuable, engaging, and inviting atmosphere that provided practical insights and forward-thinking advice for those aiming to shape the future of their farms”.
Guest speakers shared knowledge and practical, real-world experience relevant to today’s evolving farming landscape, including Joseph Collins, agricultural adviser with the FDC Group.
The session focused on collaborative farming models, including partnerships and share farming, alongside practical tax planning considerations.
These topics generated strong interest among attendees, highlighting the opportunities that collaborative approaches can offer in terms of sustainability, succession planning, and long-term farm viability.
A key message throughout the event was the importance of seeking professional advice, especially concerning financial, tax planning, and legal matters.
Speakers emphasised the value of early engagement with financial, tax and legal advisers to ensure informed and financially sound planning.
Succession
Farm succession also emerged as a central theme.
Ballyhoura Development’s succession and generational renewal coach, Carrie O’Donoghue, highlighted the importance of starting conversations early within farm families.
She said: “Stepping back from the farm doesn’t mean stepping away from responsibility – it means stepping into a new role with intention.
“The families who navigate succession well are the ones who seek out the right resources, ask hard questions, and bring in professional advice early.
“You don’t have to figure it all out alone, in fact you shouldn’t.”
She added that a strong transition “is built on informed decisions, not assumptions”.
O’Donoghue also reminded attendees that Ballyhoura Development offers free, confidential succession and generational renewal appointments for farmers, family members, and new entrants at its offices across the region.
Speakers further underlined the benefits of early planning, noting that it allows families the time and space to explore options, avoid potential challenges, and put structured plans in place to support a smooth transition between generations.
The event was very positively received, with attendees describing it as both “informative” and “thought-provoking”.
It provided not only expert guidance but also reassurance that, with the right planning and support, farmers can confidently secure the future of their enterprises.
Farm Forward Project
The Farm Forward Project forms part of the EIP initiative, co-funded by the European Commission and the Irish government under the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027.
The programme supports farmers in adopting innovative approaches to strengthen sustainability, improve succession planning, and build long-term resilience.
It is led by Carrie O’Donoghue, who works closely with individual farms and the wider agricultural community to support informed, confident planning for the future in a way that benefits both current and next generations.
