Eight out of 10 young farmers across Ireland are hoping to expand the home farm in the coming years through mainly long-lease and/or purchase agreements.  

These are just some of the revelations contained in a major new study carried out by Macra na Feirme in association with FBD.

Last week, Macra released the results of a Macra/FBD survey in which Ireland’s young farmers had their say on issues affecting their future. The survey paints a picture of young farmers as dedicated and forward-thinking.

The respondents, 207 in total, were all participants in the FBD Young Farmer of the Year Award 2013.

Below is a snapshot of some of the Young Farmer Survey 2013 results:

Some 57 per cent of farmers surveyed were part-time farmers, of these 60 per cent hope to use off-farm income to fund the farm in the future
One in eight young farmers surveyed plan to expand the home farm in the coming years, mainly they say through long-lease and purchase agreements
Four out of 10 farmers surveyed hope to succeed the home farm between the ages of 30 and 35 years
Three out of 10 farmers surveyed say they have not prepared a fodder budget for the coming winter
Seven out of 10 farmers surveyed said a one-day tractor driving course would be welcomed before being issued with a provisional licence 
Seven out of 10 farmers surveyed said a 25 per cent single farm payment young farmer top-up will result in them setting up on their own right earlier
Eight out of 10 young farmers surveyed said they would become established in farming earlier if there was a well-funded installation aid
Seven out of 10 young farmers surveyed have not been on a young farmers study trip abroad
One out of 10 young farmers surveyed have taken illegal drugs in the past 12 months
Eight out of 10 young farmers surveyed believe young people should not wait to have sex until they are married
Eight out of 10 young farmers surveyed are members of their local GAA club
When asked about the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill, which has now been passed by the Council of State, four out of 10 young farmers surveyed said the bill will cause more issued regarding the right to life.