Ireland’s Agricultural workforce continues to evolve, bringing new opportunities and challenges for those working across the sector. From career progression and skills development to financial wellbeing and workforce retention, understanding the needs and ambitions of farm operators is essential to supporting the future of Irish farming.
As a farmer owned co-operative, FRS Farm services understands the importance of having skilled, reliable operators available to support Irish farms. Listening to operator feedback is an important part of understanding their experiences, identifying gaps in developmental needs and recognising the challenges that they face now, and most importantly, in the future. As the demands of modern Agriculture continue to grow, so does the need to attract new talent, retain experienced workers and ensure those entering the industry have opportunities to develop and progress.
Behind the day-to-day running of Irish farms, is a workforce whose skills, experience and commitment are essential to the sectors success. Understanding what motivates these individuals, the challenges they encounter and their ambitions for their future, is critical to building a resilient workforce. These considerations extend beyond immediate labour requirements, raising important questions about career progression, financial security and the support needed to sustain a skilled workforce for generations to come.
1 | The changing profile of farm operators in Ireland.
The FRS Farm Services Operator Surveys conducted throughout 2026 highlight the participation of younger people and women within its operator network. Women accounted for 21% of the respondents to the October 2026 FRS Farm Services Operator Survey, reflecting female participation within its farm relief network. This finding sits alongside wider evidence of growing female involvement in Irish agriculture. According to the CSO, women represented approximately 34% of Irelands agricultural labour force in 2023, compares to 27% in 2020. More recently, Teagasc reported in September 2026 that female participation in its agricultural education programmes had increased from 13% to 28% over an eight-year period.
While these figures measure different groups within the sector, they demonstrate encouraging progress in women’s participation and agricultural education. Through its established farm relief network, FRS Farm Services provides opportunities for women and men to gain practical experience, develop agricultural skills and support farming businesses across Ireland.
Younger operators also represent a significant proportion of those surveyed by FRS Farm Services. Almost half of respondents (47%) were aged between 18-24, while 65% were aged under 35. This is particularly noteworthy against the wider challenge of generational renewal in Irish agriculture. According to the CSO’s Farm Structure survey in 2023, the average Irish farm holder was 60 years old, with just 4.3% aged under 35. Teagasc also highlighted the need to create meaningful pathways for younger people entering and progressing in the sector. While farm holders and farm relief operators represent different groups, the findings demonstrate the strong presence of younger respondents within the FRS network. Through access on practical on-farm work, varied farming environments and local support, FRS farm Services provides an important route for young people to gain experience, develop agricultural skills and contribute to the workforce supporting Irish farms.
At a time when attracting and retaining skilled workers remains an important consideration for Irish Agriculture, providing opportunities to gain practical experience and build confidence in long-term careers is particularly valuable.
2 | Pension auto-enrolment: Understanding operator awareness.
The introduction of Irelands MyFutureFund pension auto-enrolment scheme in January 2026 marked an important development in retirement savings for employees across the country, including those working in agriculture. Our surveys explored operators’ awareness of pension auto-enrolment and its potential benefits.
One in three respondents (33%) indicated that they were unsure about the benefits of pension auto-enrolment. Meanwhile, 42% identified long-term retirement savings as a benefit, while 28% recognised the value of developing regular savings habits. These findings highlighted the importance of providing clear, accessible information to help operators understand their pension options and plan for the future.
Beyond awareness, the findings also raise an important consideration for employers across the agricultural sector: how effectively are pension changes being communicated to the workforce? Providing accessible information, addressing common questions and directing employees towards reliable guidance, would help bridge this knowledge gap and support greater financial confidence and reassurance amongst farm operators and employers alike.
3 | Operator feedback: Nearly two-thirds give FRS a high recommendation score
Positive operator feedback remains a consistent feature of the FRS Farm Services Surveys, reflecting the importance of strong relationships and dependable local support. In the October survey, 64% of respondents awarded a recommendation score of 8 or higher out of 10. This positive sentiment is supported by feedback on local FRS services, with approximately 81% of Spring 2026 respondents reporting that they were very satisfied with local team engagement and back-up support, and approximately 89% expressing satisfaction with communication from their local office.
These findings highlight the value of FRS Farm Services established local network. By providing operators with a point of contact, practical support and access to farming opportunities, FRS helps maintain the relationships and workforce connections that underpin reliable service delivery to Irish farms.
4 | Farm Management training and career development
Career development has emerged as a recurring theme across FRS Farm Services Operator Surveys. In October 2025, more than 80% of respondents were asked about future ambitions, and they expressed an interest in managing their own farm. The Spring 2026 survey also highlighted the importance of career progression with approximately 38% identifying better career pathways as a factor that could encourage people to remain in agricultural employment. Building on these findings, the October 2026 Survey explored interest in a potential operator-to-farm-manager development programme, with nearly 50% of the respondents expressing interest in an operator-to-farm-manager development programme. Among the 52 respondents who indicated an interest, the leading areas for further development included:
75% – Grassland Management and animal performance
73% – Financial Management, budgeting and farm costs
67% Herd and flock health, welfare and compliance
65% Farm Planning and day-to-day decision making
54% Technology, farm software and digital record keeping
The findings demonstrate interest in developing both practical farming knowledge and the financial and management skills needed to take on greater responsibility. For operators considering their next steps in agriculture, access to relevant training and practical experience can play an important role in supporting career development.
5 | What are the biggest barriers to farm management?
While FRS Farm Services Operator Surveys have consistently highlighted career ambitions and an interest in professional development, they have also identified challenges that can influence progression within agriculture.
In the October 2026 survey, access to land, limited access to finance, and a lack of career opportunities emerged as the three highest-ranked barriers to progressing into farm management. Respondents also identified access to training, confidence and mentoring among the challenges that they considered relevant. These findings reflect broader structural and professional challenges facing those seeking to advance their agricultural careers. While land ownership and financial investment can present significant obstacles, progressing into farm management does not necessarily require ownership of a farming enterprise.
For FRS Farm Services, the findings highlight the value of practical experience and access to different farming environments in supporting operators’ professional development. Through its established connections with farming businesses, FRS provides opportunities for operators to develop technical knowledge, gain exposure to farm management practices and build experience that may support future progression.
These findings also offer valuable insight for the wider agricultural sector, highlighting the importance of accessible career pathways, skills development and collaboration in supporting the next generation of farm managers.
6 | Listening to operators and supporting Irish agriculture
Our 2026 Operator Survey provides further insight into the experiences, career ambitions and priorities of the people delivering these services. From pension awareness and operator satisfaction to training and career progression, the findings offer invaluable feedback to inform future discussions around operator support and further development in these key areas.
Crucially, FRS is utilising this feedback to look beyond the surface of these challenges and understand the underlying issues affecting operators. By identifying the barriers around access to land, finance, training and progression, FRS can aid in redefining a pathway for farm operators to build their skillset, take on greater responsibility and pursue long-term careers in agriculture.
As a farmer-owned co-operative, FRS Farm Services remains an integral part of Irelands agricultural supply network, connecting skilled operators with farming businesses and providing the dependable local services that farmers and operators rely on.
Interested in working with FRS Farm Services?
Whether you’re an experienced farm worker, or interested in exploring opportunities in agriculture, discover more about farmwork and career opportunities with us: Farm Jobs and Farm Work in Ireland: FRS Farm Relief Services
Source: FRS Farm Services Operator Survey, October 2026. Response totals varied between questions. Findings reflect participating FRS operators and are not intended to represent the entire Irish Agricultural workforce.
https://teagasc.ie/news–events/daily/women-in-agriculture-80-of-farm-successors-are-male/