How many farmers are in Ireland in 2020?
The number of farms in Ireland fell by 4,823 in the 10 years from 2010 to 2020 to 135,037, the census of agriculture for 2020 has found. The census is taken every 10 years by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The average farm size has marginally increased by 0.7ha to 33.4ha.
Is farming popular in Ireland?
Specialist beef production was the most common type of farming in Ireland, with 78,800 (56.4%) of farms falling into this category. Specialist dairying (15,600) and specialist sheep farms (15,000) were the next most prominent types of farming.
Is there farming in Ireland?
Irish agriculture is dominated by family-owned farms. There are almost 140,000 farms, with an average land holding of 32.5 hectares. Pasture-based farm enterprises dominate, thanks to Ireland’s rich green grass growth for 9 to 10 months a year.
How much of Ireland is used for farming?
about 64%
Ireland has an estimated 6.9million hectares of land, of which about 64%, or 4.44 million hectares, is suitable for agriculture. An estimated 770,020 hectares, or 11% of total land, is used for forestry (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, 2020).
Is farming profitable in Ireland?
The average family farm income rose by 9% in Ireland in 2020 to €25,662, the Teagasc National Farm Survey 2020 shows. In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, incomes across the various farm systems in Ireland either held, or improved in 2020, the Teagasc annual review of farm incomes has concluded.
How big are farms in Ireland?
Two thirds of Ireland’s farms are less than 30 hectares in size. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) Farm Structure Survey in 2007 reported an average farm size of 32.3 hectares (75 acres) (www.cso.ie).
Why is Ireland so good for farming?
With fertile soils, a temperate climate and abundant rain water, Ireland has enviable natural advantages for farming the land to produce food, fibre and fuel. Today, beef and milk production are the two most important farming sectors in Ireland, accounting for around 66% of agricultural output in 2018.
Who is the biggest farmer in Ireland?
Jim McCarthy
Jim McCarthy, who lives near Castledermot, Co Kildare, is one of Ireland’s largest tillage farmers and, despite his reputation as one of the smartest farmers in the country, he too is unsure what the future holds.
What is the most profitable farming in Ireland?
Dairying has traditionally been Ireland’s most profitable farming enterprise. Through Teagasc research, advisory and education services, Irish dairy farmers are competitive globally.
What do farmers in Ireland grow?
Apart from the cereal crops, Irish farmers grow maize, beans, peas, oilseed rape, beet and potatoes. Potato growing in particular has become very intensive in certain parts of the country.