Farming

Farming

Stay updated with farming news, tips, and seasonal insights through our “Cultivate” newsletter for farmers, designed to inspire and support the agricultural community.

Our  February 2026 Cultivate Newsletter  is now able to download here, Cultivate Feb 2026 Newsletter  it includes a roundup of recent activity and updates for the months ahead.

Some highlights include:

  • Cultivate launch events for Thomastown Credit Union and North West Credit Union.
  • Recap on the Agri Sector Update Webinar
  • Launch of the Farming Photography Competition
  • Upcoming events and dates for the diary

We’re delighted to announce the launch of the 2026 Cultivate Farming Photography Competition.

Farming is part of everyday life for so many people across Ireland, and we want to celebrate this. We’re inviting entrants to capture photos showing life on the farm and to highlight what makes Irish farming so unique. Entries are open to both Cultivate members and non-members alike. We will then have a fantastic collection of photos for release in our 2027 Cultivate Farming Calendar and across our socials.

In addition to the twelve winning photos featured in the 2027 calendar, there will also be a €1000  Ireland’s Blue Book voucher for one overall winner.

Competition entries are now open! 

How to enter: Take a photo that captures farm life and submit it through the entry form on the Cultivate CU page.  https://cultivate-cu.ie/

Competition will close September 30th 2026.

Please note: Photo entries should be in the landscape orientation for inclusion in the calendar. Images cannot contain any people’s faces, graphics or branding. Photo entries will be accepted in .JPEG / .JPG / PNG formats only.

See Terms and Conditions of entry here

Slurry, storage & inspections - 3 reminders worth keeping in mind
Last week, the Irish Farmers Journal highlighted tighter focus on slurry movements and increased inspection activity in some areas, especially where water quality pressures are higher. They also highlighted the lack of sufficient slurry storage at regulatory levels for farmers during the recent wet period.
3 quick reminders around slurry storage:
  1. Keep a record of movements
  2. Don’t miss verification deadlines (movements Jan–Jun must be verified by 14 July 2026, and Jul–Dec by 14 January 2027)
  3. Storage pressure is still real - wet weather has left some farms quite tight, and longer-term requirements are trending upwards
If extra storage, covers, or yard upgrades are needed, A Cultivate loan can help you spread the cost with farmer-friendly finance through your local Credit Union. Contact us today by calling 074 9361017 or visit or Cultivate loan page and use our loan calculator Farming Loans | Low-Interest Agricultural Loans & Farm Financing
You can apply in branch or online Inishowen Credit Union | Apply Now
Loans are subject to approval. T&Cs apply.
(Source: Irish Farmer's Journal Slurry storage: where does the value lie?)

BISS 2026 applications are now open.

If you’re applying for BISS/Eco-Schemes/CRISS (or making claims for ANC, ACRES, OFS, etc.) avoid the last-minute rush and plan around the below key dates  (DAFM).


• Closing date: Friday 15 May 2026
• Penalty free amendments: up to 31 May 2026
• Late applications: up to 9 June 2026

Quick checklist:
• Keep an eye for your BISS pack (maps and land details) in the post
• Double check you’ve selected the right Eco-Scheme/ANC/Young Farmer options (where relevant)

If you want to invest in machinery, buildings, livestock, or working capital based on your 2026 plans, Cultivate can help you finance these upgrades through Inishowen Credit Union.

The Cultivate loan has helped farmers around the country improve their farm infrastructure, and even diversify farm operations.

The Smith brothers, Andrew and Aodhagon, wanted to try something different, and are now selling their own milk to customers direct from the farm via milk vending machines on their farm.
"Without the Cultivate loan, we wouldn't have been able to do what we wanted to do in changing the genetics of the herd"
"The Cultivate loan has made life a bit easier".
Watch their full video below.
https://vimeo.com/1102251137?fl=pl&fe=sh

Start your Cultivate Loan application here Apply now

Supporting Farm Labour for Long-Term Success

Supporting Farm Labour for Long-Term Success

Over 50% of all dairy farms in Ireland rely on some level of hired labour, be that seasonal or full times hires, writes Daire Cregg of Irish Farmers Journal.
Daire notes the importance of proper support for farm help, particularly during this busy season. Good working conditions can help to facilitate long term success for your farm. Life could be made easier and safer on the farm for all by upgrading farm infrastructure or even investing in machinery.

If you have been thinking about investing in your farm to improve safety, efficiency and success, our Cultivate loan can help you.