Latest news with #FrankO'Mara
Agriland
06-08-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Teagasc Staff Pay Costs Rose by 9 to E109m in 2024 Report
Newly published accounts show that pay costs at Teagasc increased by 9% last year to €109 million. The Teagasc 2024 Annual Report and Financial Statements shows that the average number of staff employed by the authority during the year was 1,489, up 50 (3%) on 2023. The annual salary and benefits for Teagasc director, Prof. Frank O'Mara, stood at €192,000 last year. The report outlined that 124 members of staff in Teagasc earned over €100,000 last year, which included salaries, overtime, allowances, and other benefits. The total fees paid to the Teagasc Authority and committee stood at €90,346 last year, along with €30,982 in expenses. In 2024, 140 staff received overtime payments (2023: 148), with the highest aggregate amount paid to an individual €29,158 (2023: €28,802). The report outlined that total Teagasc income in 2024 was €242 million, which was €10 million (4%) greater than the previous year. Meanwhile, total expenditure was €246 million, €9 million (4%) greater than in 2023. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) allocated €170.45 million in grant aid to Teagasc in 2024, an increase of €8.254 million on the previous year. The accounts show non-pay expenditure reduced by 5.5% to €74 million, with general operating expenses of €52 million, down 5% on 2023. Capital expenditure increased by 53% in 2024 to €14.4 million, while superannuation (pension programme) costs reduced by 2% to €46 million. The average number of monthly retirement benefits paid during the year was 1,759 (2023: 1,768). Livestock trading income was just over €5 million in 2024, up from €3.9 million in 2023. €755,000 was spent on buying livestock in 2024, compared to €353,000 in the previous year. The report noted that total procurement-related expenditure was €72.9 million in 2024. Teagasc found that of 301 purchase orders worth over €25,000, with total value of €26.7 million, the value of non-compliant purchase orders was €191,930 (2023: €186,064). "Notwithstanding that these procurements were non-compliant, Teagasc is satisfied that good value for money was achieved," the report stated. Despite progression of female staff and the appointment of women to management positions, Teagasc's gender pay gap was 14% as at June 30, 2024. A new diversity and inclusion strategy to be launched in 2025 will include "a sharp focus on reducing the pay gap". The report shows that Teagasc advisory service had contracts with 43,735 farmer clients in 2024. In total, there were 142,834 one-to-one advisory contacts in 2024, including 21,000 farm visits, over 63,000 phone consultations and 59,000 office consultations. Teagasc supported farmers with 42,210 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) applications, and almost 15,773 farmers in the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES). The organisation hosted 288 farm walks, 251 workshops, 387 meetings and seminars, along with 2,954 discussion group meetings. The Teagasc website had over 4.4 million visits in 2024. There were 3,600 learners across full-time, part-time and distance education courses provided by Teagasc, including a number of new apprenticeship programmes. Teagasc researchers published some 654 peer-reviewed articles during 2024. Last year, Teagasc was awarded external research funding valued at €53 million, up from €37 million in 2023, which will be drawn down over the next three to six years. Almost 12.5% of this was for 19 projects funded by the European Commission, which had a total value of €283 million with the contribution to Teagasc being €6.6 million.
Irish Independent
24-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
‘It is a very big conundrum – who is going to be farming our land in 20 years' time?'
Around half of cattle farms have an off-farm income, according to the newly launched National Farm Survey, while 36pc of all farm households are in receipt of a pension – highlighting the ageing farming population and the challenge of generational renewal There are lots of farms where there won't be a successor, according to Teagasc director Frank O'Mara, as generational renewal is a 'very challenging' issue. Speaking at the National Farm Survey launch yesterday, he said we need to look and see if there are other pathways into farming – not just leasing the farm – for current non-landowners. 'But it is a very big conundrum: who is going to be farming our land in 20 years' time?'
Agriland
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Agriland
Livestock ‘essential' to meeting climate targets
A paper published by an EU body of agri-food research organisations – including Teagasc – has said that livestock systems are essential to meeting climate and biodiversity targets, when they are designed with 'circularity and multifunctionality in mind'. The paper, described as a policy brief, was published this week by the Animal Task Force (ATF), an EU public-private partnership entity that brings together organisations in several EU member states that work in the areas of livestock research and science. Teagasc is one such organisation, and Teagasc director Prof. Frank O' Mara is the president of the ATF. The paper, titled Livestock are more than food, said that livestock systems in Europe 'are at a crossroads'. 'In the middle of growing calls to reduce meat consumption, livestock numbers, and agricultural emissions, the broader contributions of livestock are often overlooked by both the general public and policymakers. 'Yet, when managed sustainably, livestock plays a key role in delivering climate resilience, resource efficiency, rural development, and ecosystem services,' the paper added. According to the report, the benefits of livestock, apart from food production, include: manure as a renewable fertiliser; use of certain products in pharmaceuticals, textiles and construction; biodiversity and landscape management; rural livelihoods; health and nutrition; renewable energy through biogas production; and companionship and therapeutics for humans. The report said that these functions 'align closely' with the EU's sustainability agenda, while being 'unrecognised' in many of the EU's policy frameworks. The ATF cited the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), saying the policy offers eco-schemes and agri-environmental supports 'but often lacks the tools to reward livestock systems for their ecosystem services or circular contributions'. The paper said that animals are 'sentient beings', citing concerns over animal welfare. However, the paper also said that it is 'of vital importance for the livestock industry as well as European citizens' that arguments used to enhance welfare-related regulations 'are based on solid scientific evidence'. According to the ATF, there are a number of policy challenges to the livestock sector in the EU. These include what the ATF claimed were 'misaligned' environmental metrics which undervalue the ecosystem services of extensive livestock systems. The ATF also said that there are regulatory barriers which 'often block the circular use of materials'. The ATF went on the claim that there are 'biased narratives' in which public and policy debates are polarised, 'making it harder to build nuanced, sustainable strategies'. As well as that, there is insufficient investment in farmers' roles, with farmers poorly represented in funding decisions, and weak support for new entrants or mixed systems, the ATF said. However, the paper said there are also 'policy opportunities', including: supporting circular livestock systems; integrating livestock into broader sustainability metrics; fostering innovation; reframing public communication; and creating 'enabling conditions' for diverse farming models.
Irish Examiner
03-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Moorepark dairy open day set for July
'Innovating for the Future' is the theme of this year's Moorepark Dairy Open Day set for July 2. The Irish dairy industry has undergone a lot of transformation and change in the past 10 years since the removal of milk quotas. No longer restricted, milk solids output has almost doubled. Over the past 15 years, the Irish dairy industry has withstood a global pandemic, war on the continent of Europe and more recently global financial trade barriers. 'The dairy industry has consistently responded in a positive manner to challenges in the past, and I am sure it will face the current challenges with the same focus. Moorepark 25 will provide the pathway and support to farm families to address these challenges while embracing the opportunities,' said Professor Laurence Shalloo, head of the animal and grassland research and innovation programme. With all that in mind, the event plans to be a big one, with a variety of demonstrations and workshops on grazing management, reseeding, low-emission slurry spreading, fertiliser type, white clover swards, farm infrastructure, body condition scoring, milk quality, calf rearing, genetics, health and safety, and many more will take place throughout the day. There will be a particular focus on TB and TB control at the farm level, also demonstrated on the day. Discussion forums at the event will take place around cost control and growth opportunities for dairy farm businesses from a national and international perspective. Several topics will also be discussed at the Ornua forum area, including market updates, milk quality, and the dairy industry forum to discuss future challenges and opportunities for the industry as a whole. Teagasc director Professor Frank O'Mara, said: 'It is important that we take time to reflect and plan for the next phase of development for the Irish dairy industry. The industry must continue to align with EU and national policy objectives, with a particular focus on lowering carbon emissions, enhancing animal welfare, improving water and air quality, and enhancing biodiversity. "At the same time, dairy farms must generate financially rewarding career opportunities with a favourable work-life balance.' The open day aims to provide support for young farmers also, with business models that encourage them to enter and prosper in the industry. Michael Berkery, chairman of FBD Trust, said: 'At FBD, we're proud to partner with Teagasc in supporting the 2025 Moorepark Open Day. We recognise the vital role events like the open day play in fostering knowledge, innovation, and collaboration within the farming community. "Knowledge sharing and education around best practice and new technologies are critical to empower dairy farmers to build innovative, sustainable businesses for the future. The Moorepark Open Day provides an invaluable opportunity for farmers and industry leaders to connect, exchange ideas, and explore the latest advancements in dairy production, all while shaping the future of Irish agriculture.' Admission and parking are free on the day, July 2. Gates open at 8:30am and the event ends at 5pm.
Agriland
27-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
July date for Moorepark Dairy Open Day
The Teagasc Moorepark Dairy Open Day will take place on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 with the theme of 'Innovating for the Future'. According to the organisers, the dairy industry has been through transformational change in the past decade since the removal of milk quotas. The pent-up capacity for growth was released, and milk solids output has almost doubled. The growth of the dairy industry, which began in 2011, coincided with financial challenges in the Irish economy. Over the past 15 years, the Irish dairy industry has withstood a global pandemic, war on the continent of Europe and more recently global financial trade barriers and Teagasc has said that since 2022, the dairy industry has entered a new phase of consolidation. Teagasc director, Prof. Frank O'Mara said: 'It is important that we take time to reflect and plan for the next phase of development for the Irish dairy industry. 'The industry must continue to align with EU and national policy objectives, with a particular focus on lowering carbon emissions, enhancing animal welfare, improving water and air quality and enhancing biodiversity. 'At the same time, dairy farms must generate financially rewarding career opportunities with a favourable work-life balance.' Future for dairy Providing business models that encourage and reward young, enthusiastic, and well-trained people to enter and prosper in the industry is essential for its future sustainability, according to Teagasc. A clear pathway for these prospective dairy farmers to achieve their goals is needed to ensure that they are attracted into the industry. Chairman FBD Trust, Michael Berkery said: 'At FBD, we're proud to partner with Teagasc in supporting the 2025 Moorepark Open Day. 'We recognise the vital role events like the open day play in fostering knowledge, innovation, and collaboration within the farming community. 'Knowledge sharing and education around best practise and new technologies are critical to empower dairy farmers to build innovative, sustainable businesses for the future. 'The Moorepark Open Day provides an invaluable opportunity for farmers and industry leaders to connect, exchange ideas, and explore the latest advancements in dairy production, all while shaping the future of Irish agriculture.' Speaking at the launch of the open day, head of the Animal and Grassland, Research and Innovation Programme, Prof. Laurence Shalloo said: 'Dairy farms and dairy farming are consistently one of the most profitable agricultural enterprises reported by the Teagasc National Farm Survey. 'A strong recovery in family farm income occurred in 2024 following a very challenging year in 2023. 'A strong performance is expected in 2025 with to-date a favourable spring, strong milk prices as well as strong cull cow and calf prices. 'The dairy industry has a consistent track record of innovation in areas for example around the uptake of the EBI [economic breeding index], the uptake of white and red clover at farm level, the use of sexed semen, and the use of high DBI [dairy beef index] bulls to increase the beef merit of non-replacement dairy calves from the dairy herd.' The Teagasc professor explained that this level of innovation and technology adoption will be key to addressing the challenges of cost control, generational renewal, improved water quality and lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as the industry moves forward. 'The dairy industry has consistently responded in a positive manner to challenges in the past, and I am sure it will face the current challenges with the same focus,' Shalloo added. 'Moorepark '25 will provide the pathway and support to farm families to address these challenges while embracing the opportunities.' Demonstrations Demonstrations and workshops will take place throughout the day on: Grazing management; Reseeding; Low emission slurry spreading (LESS); Fertiliser type; White clover swards; Calibration of fertiliser spreaders; Farm infrastructure; Manure storage options; Body condition scoring; Milk quality; Calf rearing; Genetics; Health and safety. There will be a particular focus on bovine tuberculosis (TB) and TB control at farm level demonstrated on the day. Discussion forums at the open day will take place around cost control and growth opportunities for dairy farm businesses, from a national and international perspective. A number of topics will be discussed at the Ornua forum area including market updates, milk quality as well as an industry forum to discuss future challenges and opportunities for the industry as a whole. Teagasc Moorepark '25 aims to be an informative event for those with an interest in the Irish dairy industry. A comprehensive booklet will be provided and admission and parking is free, no booking necessary. Gates open from 8:30a.m and the event closes at 5:00p.m on Wednesday, July 2.
