In May, the front cover of the Irish Farmers Journal read: ‘Mass exodus of small farmers.’ The story written by Noel Bardon outlined that 48,000 small farmers are planning to lease out their farms over the next five years, according to Teagasc’s Small Farm Survey.

Sometimes when you see these headlines, attention is drawn to the bigger picture. With the majority of these farmers in beef and sheep, how will that impact those industries? And what will the wider effect be on feed merchants, vets and contractors? However, while it is certain that we will not see the same influx of young farmers on par with those leaving the industry, it’s not all doom and gloom; there are plenty of people excited about their future in farming.

I was thinking about this last week, as I was editing the summer edition of Irish Farmers Journal Junior which is in this week’s paper. As school is now officially out for summer, this publication profiles young readers who are mad for farming, horses and the land they love. Honestly, if we could run the industry on enthusiasm alone, these young guys and girls would lead the way and hopefully, they will do in a few years’ time.

Farming is tough, and enthusiasm does not pay the bills, that we know for certain. However, while the publication is for older children and teenagers, I’m sure many adults would benefit from taking the time to feed off their love of farming. It really is good for the soul.

As school is now officially out for summer, this publication profiles young readers who are mad for farming, horses and the land they love

The future is safe

The future of St Tola goat cheese is safe in the hands of Luisne Ní Urdail, the daughter of Siobhán and John who run the farm and cheese production unit. Our guest editor for this issue, she is a great help around the farm feeding and caring for the goats. Sisters Elise and Tara Drumm from Delvin in Co Westmeath are agri superstars in the making and their love for showing cattle and riding horses means both of them are intent on working with animals when they’re older. And if you want a laugh, check out the piece about Sheamie Garrihy. If you liked him on The Late Late Toy Show last year, you’ll love his story about using his hand-picked eggs to barter for a pair of glasses in his local optician in Ennistymon.

Throughout the summer, we will have a page dedicated to our young readers each week in Irish Country Living. If there is a young person you know who loves farming, get in touch with our deputy editor Deirdre Verney, who recently joined the team (welcome Deirdre), and she can be contacted at (dverney@farmersjournal.ie).

School holidays may be here but there is huge uncertainty in the town of Borrisokane, Co Tipperary about whether some pupils will be returning to Scoil Mhuire National School in September. We got a big reaction to the story written last week by Jacqueline Hogge about the uncertainty that faces some international residents who have come to call the town home. Four years ago, the residents of Borrisokane took a proactive approach to encourage positive integration with the 20 new families within their community.

Now the Government has issued these families eviction notices and is reneging on its commitment to allow them to stay there long-term. The children have built relationships in school, the adults have gained employment locally and the community are fighting for their right to stay. In a time where finding a solution for integration seems so challenging, this is an example of a community that has embraced new cultures.

Surely, they should be seen as a model to follow rather than a town to tear apart? We will continue to follow this story as it unfolds.