Farmers remain resilient despite rising costs and weather pressures

28 September 2026 – Input costs and weather conditions are the two biggest challenges currently facing Irish farmers, according to a new survey conducted by Bank of Ireland at this year’s National Ploughing Championships.

The survey found that farmers continue to face significant pressure on their businesses, with cashflow, regulations and compliance, farm gate prices, and labour availability also highlighted among the key concerns affecting the sector.

Despite these challenges, more than one-third of farmers report an increased appetite to invest in their farm business over the past 12 months, just under half reporting no change, while fewer than one in five reporting a reduction in their willingness to invest.

The findings come as many farms continue to manage the financial impact of the prolonged dry weather over the summer months, which increased feed costs and created additional pressure on working capital requirements, particularly for livestock farms.

The Bank recently launched a discounted Working Capital Loan for Agri customers impacted by the recent dry conditions. With a discounted variable rate of 4.88%*, 24-month term, and available from 21 September 2026 to 31 December 2026, this ensures quick and practical support for farmers experiencing cash flow pressures due to the dry weather.

Eoin Lowry, Head of Agriculture, Bank of Ireland said: “Our conversations with farmers at the National Ploughing Championships highlighted the significant challenges currently facing the sector. As expected, input costs are a huge factor, especially with many livestock farmers being forced to buy supplementary feed and use conserved forage much earlier than usual.

Combined with ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and supply chain pressures, these factors are creating real cashflow challenges for many farm businesses.

I would encourage any farmer that is concerned to talk to us, so that we can ensure the farm finances are properly structured and devise a plan that will help overcome the current challenges.”

Almost 500 people completed a survey at the Bank of Ireland stand over three days at the recent National Ploughing Championships.

Bank of Ireland agri customers can contact a dedicated support line on 0818 210614 (Monday-Friday, 9am -5pm).

ENDS

Find out more about our https://businessbanking.bankofireland.com/discounted-working-capital-loan/

Bank of Ireland has a range of flexible options for farmers who are facing cashflow tightness, including:

  • Working Capital Loan – (Minimum €1,000 to Maximum €100,000)
  • Overdraft facilities
  • Flexible term loans that are quick and easy to apply for
  • Enviroflex, our industry leading sustainability loan
  • Ability to retrospectively finance previous investments made from cash
  • Loan repayment holidays
  • Contact the dedicated team of Agri and Business Advisors in branch, over the phone or online
  • Our team of dedicated Agri Managers are also available to support.

*The discounted variable interest rate of 4.88% is a discount of 2.14% off our standard variable rate. Lending criteria, terms and conditions and security requirements apply. Applications are subject to approval. Rates are correct as at 21 September 2026.