The inaugural Family Business Report from ifac reveals the real pressures facing Irish family firms today — from succession and ownership transition to rising costs, family disputes, and the growing impact of AI.

Ireland's bovine TB (bTB) eradication programme has undergone its most significant overhaul in years, with a raft of new measures coming into effect in 2026.

Here's a summary of the key changes every farmer needs to know.

Over the past 12–18 months, costs across energy, labour, materials, and insurance have risen significantly for businesses of all sizes. While most SME owners are aware of the pressure these increases are placing on their operations, many are still absorbing higher costs without stepping back to carry out a structured review of where margin is being made. And where it is being lost.

Michael Kennedy succeeds Brendan Lawlor as chairperson, with David McDonagh appointed vice-chair.

Ifac, the top ten professional services firm providing specialist advice to the farming, food, agribusiness, and family business sectors, has announced the election of Michael Kennedy from County Tipperary as its new chairperson.

Featured article in ifac's Irish Farm Report 2026.

Slurry storage is unavoidable for most expanding or noncompliant farms, but the financial structure doesn’t have to strain your operation. Early planning around the cashflow gap – not just the technical requirements - makes the difference between a manageable investment and a liquidity crisis.

The closing date for the 2026 Basic Income Support Scheme (BISS) application is 15th May 2026. This is one of the most important dates in the farming calendar. Missing it, or submitting an incorrect application, can result in delayed or withheld payments and significant financial stress.

Ifac has announced the acquisition of three established regional practices - Con Dolan Accountants (Cavan), Peter Moore & Company (Mullingar) and Michael G Murphy Accountants (Charleville) - further strengthening its position as Ireland’s leading specialist professional services firm for the farming, food, agribusiness and SME sectors.

With Auto-enrolment (AE) now officially underway as of January 2026, farmers are beginning to reckon with the practical realities that the new rules bring to their businesses.

Last year’s survey painted a picture of uncertainty, with a sizeable portion of farmers unaware that AE even existed. That fog hasn’t fully lifted - but the latest responses give us a clearer sense of where the agricultural community stands.

The Forbes family in west Waterford took a proactive approach to succession, tax planning and long-term planning. By engaging early with ifac they have built a dairy business that's set up for the long-term. And, for the next generation.

EASYFIX is a family-owned and operated company. Headquartered in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway with offices in the UK, Germany and the USA, EASYFIX employ over 60 people. The company has enjoyed tremendous growth over the last 25 years and have steadily increased their export market share for more than two decades.

Ifac have launched their Irish Farm Report 2026.

Sharing insights from 1,000 surveyed Irish farmers, our 8th consecutive annual Farm Report shows confidence in the sector is rising, with 61% feeling positive about the future, despite increasing pressures.

David Heraty lost his father at a tragically young age but has gone on to create an operation that is a fitting tribute to him.

A finalist in the 2025 Young Farmer of the Year Awards and winner of the Land Mobility Award, David exemplifies how careful planning, innovation and sound financial advice can turn adversity into long-term success.

Tax planning is an essential part of running any farming operation.

At ifac, we specialise in providing tailored tax advice for farmers, drawing on decades of experience and a deep understanding of the Irish agricultural sector. Our expertise ensures that you can implement sound strategies to minimise your liabilities and maximise the value of your farm.

From navigating complex tax reliefs to long-term succession planning, our knowledge is designed to help you make the most of your hard-earned income.

Ifac has launched its Succession Guide 2026, a practical resource designed to support farming families as they plan for the future of their farm business.This is an essential starting point for anyone considering succession, whether at an early discussion stage or ready to put a formal plan in place.

Auto-enrolment (AE) is a new, mandatory retirement savings system designed to close Ireland’s pension gap. In this webinar Martin Glennon, Head of Financial Planning with ifac, together with Mary McDonagh, Head of HR & Payroll Services at ifac, explain how to prepare for AE, the alternative options available, what "My Future Fund" is and how it operates for businesses.

Auto-enrolment (AE) is a new, mandatory retirement savings system designed to close Ireland’s pension gap. In this webinar Martin Glennon, Head of Financial Planning with ifac, together with Mary McDonagh, Head of HR & Payroll Services at ifac, explain how to prepare for AE, the alternative options available, what "My Future Fund" is and how it operates for businesses.

This Christmas, it's important to celebrate and support the incredible talent of our local Irish producers.

Analysis by ifac indicates milk production costs averaging 42 cpl for 2025, based on nine months of actual figures and three months of budget projections. With co-ops dropping milk prices amid ongoing market pressures, dairy farmers are being advised to prepare for the possibility that base prices could fall below production costs in 2026.

Suckler and beef farmers are currently receiving higher prices than ever before for their livestock sales, both through the live trade and through beef prices received from processors.

With auto-enrolment (AE) launching in September 2025, employers across Ireland will need to plan for new pension contributions for eligible employees. The aim of AE is to help more workers save for retirement, but it also means additional payroll costs that businesses will need to incorporate into their financial planning.