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Hi all, please see this major site announcement: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058427594/boards-ie-2026

Plans for 2026

  • 28-12-2025 03:00PM
    #1
    roosterman71
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 6,304 ✭✭✭


    About that time of year where we look forward and lay out, or not, any plans ye have for the year.

    2025 thread here:

    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058386129/plans-for-2025

    And my own 2025 plans

    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123016565#Comment_123016565
    1. Starting at the top, massive fail. 0/10 on running and gym. SO I'll carry that over to 2026.
    2. New role was busy. Basically 2 of us doing what 3 did. Got a bit of a bump in my salary in April, but that's looking very unlikely in 2026. Plus my end of year review went bad in my eyes where I felt I'd worked hard, contributed well and had good feedback from others only for my manager to diss that and just say I was doing OK. That decision will be evident in April at the next review and I'm unable to gain promotion now for 12 months. Pure raging
    3. House is not finished, but I'm in it. The electricians still aren't finished but I'm not letting them back. They won't put in the cert even though they've tested (shouldn't have tested as it's a disgraceful job - I got another man to snag it and he told me I should bring the original lad to court over it). I won't pay another cent. Second fixed all the kitchen and upstairs myself, plus terminated all the data points.
    4. Farm is the same and I did buy farm sim and a steering wheel 😀

    2026 will be quiet farm wise I suspect. Father has a couple of projects on so he's content. Will try get a holiday in this year. We haven't been away since May 23 and I'd like to bring the chaps off for a while



«134

Comments

  • #2
    Dunedin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 2,865 ✭✭✭Dunedin


    fair play rooster. An honest post. Hard to get everything in line but all you can do is the best you can.

    The holiday with the family should be the main priority. 3 young ones here from 7-11 and we did a week in cambrills in Spain this year. A great memory.



  • #3
    Cran
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,284 ✭✭✭Cran


    Farm side need a shed, been putting it off since couldn’t get anyone during Covid to build one. May get in gear on it

    Hope to visit Oz this year, and keep following LOI one of my best decisions past 6 years going back to LOi after long break.



  • #4
    somofagun
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 117 ✭✭somofagun


    Farm wise

    • Need to reseed about 10 acres
    • Fencing needs attention
    • Yard needs concreting (Father laid it over 50 years ago)

    House

    • Front fence and entrance pillars need to be done
    • Outside of house needs power washed
    • Family holiday- haven't had one and our eldest turns 17 next year

    Oh and win the lottery



  • #5
    Tileman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 1,664 ✭✭✭Tileman


    1 get fitter and get back running.

    2 think about simplifying the farm enterprise. Love it but it’s too much work with long commute and role is changing this year. Not sure what il do but explore options this year.

    Land loan paid off in a few months after just shy of 15 years so that will ease the pressure and take the pressure off a bit. First year no major project on farm. Built new shed and changed tractor over past few years.

    Few small improvements around yard and do a bit of fencing and hanging gates etc to make life a little easier.


    3. finish off the work outside house. Getting there slowly but surely. 5 years in now and nearly there.

    4. Definitely agree on the family holiday. Have gone abroad every year since Covid. Very expensive every year but priceless memories for the kids. They all grow up so fast. It’s a main priority for me each year.



  • #6
    funkey_monkey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,383 ✭✭✭funkey_monkey


    Didn't have any firm plans last year. This year need to do drainage.

    Disappointed with my calves this year. Will have to have a think about whether we continue down this road and improve the cows or whether we swap the bull/AI.

    Might try to stitch in some of the silage fields to see if I can get the quality improved.



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  • #7
    mf240
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,922 ✭✭✭mf240


    Was half thinking of having a mid life crisis , but I might do another slatted shed instead.



  • #8
    older by the day
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,005 ✭✭✭older by the day


    I think these resolutions don't work, only putting pressure on oneself to try more, when things are alright the way they are. Don't be worrying yourselves unnecessarily

    I'm watching bohemian rhapsody about Freddie mercury's life. If he worked in lidl and sang in the pub on Saturday night. He would have done away grand.



  • #9
    whelan2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 31,828 ✭✭✭✭whelan2


    Only plan for 2026 is to get through it. Not worried about milk price.



  • #10
    emaherx
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 6,744 ✭✭✭emaherx


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123022831#Comment_123022831

    From last years plans:

    • I did some of the work on the sheds, but there is still plenty to do, probably not as much on fencing as planed but the cattle never broke out either.
    • I achieved first class honours in my Certificate in Sustainable Agricultural Technologies and Energy course and found the Dairy Beef course informative.
    • Software wise, in the day job I've learned the ins and outs of Bluetooth LE (BLE), EID, weighing systems and milking parlour communications.
    • As a side project I've started working on a commercial Agri IOT project.

    2026:

    • I think the ambitions for the farm will be modest enough, I'd like to replace a couple of shed floors, but I'll see how the budget is later in the year.
    • I'm starting another course in a few weeks, a Level 9 certificate in IoT and cloud platforms in AgriFood Production.
    • I hope to officially launch my IOT platform in the coming weeks, I have a couple of farms with meal bin scales being monitored already and hope to add bulk tank monitoring, liquid levels (water/fuel etc.) and other sensors soon after.


  • #11
    blue5000
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 13,067 Mod ✭✭✭✭blue5000


    I’m going to have a look back on 2023 and 2024’s list and see what still has to be done there first. 2025’s list will have to wait until 2027.
    But a shed needs a roof.

    If the seat's wet, sit on yer hat, a cool head is better than a wet ar5e.



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  • #12
    limo_100
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,963 ✭✭✭limo_100


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124101932#Comment_124101932

    will you go for the tams roof replacement grant?



  • #13
    Dunedin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 2,865 ✭✭✭Dunedin


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124101047#Comment_124101047

    I don’t it’s any harm to make a few plans. If they get done, grand but I wouldn’t think they’d putting anyone to their grave early with worry either.

    A few things here. Awaiting TAMS payment on slurry tank (circa €21k). I’ve a few more applications gone in through TAMS and will make a call on moving once I get payment on the tank. Main thing is the mobile cattle crate and scales, head scoop and all the bells with it.



  • #14
    _Brian
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 19,659 ✭✭✭✭_Brian


    First up push on the house renovation, it should be ready for daughter to move in about 6-8 weeks time.

    No planned change to farming system, it works for us.

    • Sheds need washing and painting.
    • 1390 needs work - oil leak behind flywheel and brakes sorting (will likely go off farm for this)
    • We bought mulcher and hedge cutter this year so maximise use of these for better grass and maintenance of electric fences
    • Spread some lime
    • Stop looking at more machinery, we don’t need a digger !!

    For me

    • more time away in the camper with herself
    • More spins on the bike
    • More gardening
    • Some Arduino/iot messing about to keep the brain engaged and learning new skills. I’ll admit I miss working maintenance on high end technology.


  • #15
    emaherx
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 6,744 ✭✭✭emaherx


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124103253#Comment_124103253

    Oh, I don't know... A digger would be handy



  • #16
    _Brian
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 19,659 ✭✭✭✭_Brian


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124103262#Comment_124103262

    don’t be encouraging me.



  • #17
    Dunedin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 2,865 ✭✭✭Dunedin


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124103359#Comment_124103359

    https://www.donedeal.ie/plantmachinery-for-sale/jcb-3x-eco-digger/41030135

    One of these might be a start for you while something better comes up……..



  • #18
    emaherx
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 6,744 ✭✭✭emaherx


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124103377#Comment_124103377

    That's not how you tempt @_Brian...

    This is:

    https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/mf-50-digger-loader/40090694



  • #19
    Dunedin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 2,865 ✭✭✭Dunedin


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124103584#Comment_124103584

    could he not buy both……?



  • #20
    Reggie.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,799 ✭✭✭✭Reggie.


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124103764#Comment_124103764

    Good call. Just in case



  • #21
    whelan2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 31,828 ✭✭✭✭whelan2


    One for weekends and the other for during the week



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  • #22
    blue5000
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 13,067 Mod ✭✭✭✭blue5000


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124103764#Comment_124103764

    It would be an interesting experiment to see which one was better value for money. Parts might be an issue.

    If the seat's wet, sit on yer hat, a cool head is better than a wet ar5e.



  • #23
    Gillespy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,805 ✭✭✭Gillespy


    That type slew motor on them old MF diggers are a nightmare to use when not 100%. Go too far and won't stop and wander on their own.

    Parts aren't too bad. Nolan fella in Wexford will keep you going if anyone closer hasn't it.



  • #24
    BENDYBINN
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,016 ✭✭✭BENDYBINN


    plan to retire and live permanently on a cruise ship…….



  • #25
    _Brian
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 19,659 ✭✭✭✭_Brian


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124103584#Comment_124103584

    Love a bit a rusty kit.

    Although the mulcher we bought was new so who knows 🤷🏻



  • #26
    MfMan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,760 ✭✭✭MfMan


    Don't forget to make a note of end-of-year machine hours, road kilometers on vehicles, livestock on hand, bank balances etc. Handy for year's comparison and your accountant will thank you.



  • #27
    Jb1989
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,339 ✭✭✭Jb1989


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124106946#Comment_124106946

    Livestock will be on agfood, bank balance will be on statement.

    Why the milage and hours?



  • #28
    Jb1989
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,339 ✭✭✭Jb1989


    Went to pay the local property tax tonight along with other online bills.

    Revenue wouldn't accept business debit card.

    Had to Google the problem.

    Had to use personal card, seemly the bank charges on a business account debit card was too much for the revenue to pay, some nonsense.

    I thought the revenue had more say than the banks especially after the banks being bailed out.

    The mind boggles.



  • #29
    MfMan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,760 ✭✭✭MfMan


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124106977#Comment_124106977

    Can help gauge machine and fuel usage, maybe assist with depreciation levels, plan and budget for servicing etc.



  • #30
    visatorro
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,310 ✭✭✭visatorro


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124107000#Comment_124107000

    You should be able to keep a record that you tried to pay it. And feck them after that. Not that simple unfortunately. I have taxed the jeep online twice. Went to tax it again this year and its saying the jeep is not in my name. I have to go into the tax office in town. Never got round to it (didn't try too hard either tbh!!).



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  • #31
    Jb1989
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,339 ✭✭✭Jb1989


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124107053#Comment_124107053

    True, yeah always something,



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