Demand is outstripping supply in the land leasing market and auctioneers are extremely busy as February approaches. Auctioneers have told AgriLand that land in Munster is scare, as the majority of available land is being locked up in long-term leases.

According to letting agents, grassland prices in north Tipperary are averaging out at €250/ac, while south Tipperary grassland is going for €225-265/ac. In addition, marginal land in south Tipperary has been reported at €180/ac.

Moving to Co. Waterford, upland sheep grazing is ranging from €150/ac to €175/ac. Better-quality land is fetching €200-250/ac and up to €300/ac has been quoted for dairy ground.

Over to the west of the province, grazing land is leasing at €150-200/ac in Co. Limerick, while “decent” Kerry grazing ground is being leased for €200-220/ac.

As the rain continues, auctioneers have suggested that some prices may settle at €200/ac in this region. This comes as farmers won’t be able to get out to graze or spread fertiliser for some time.

Looking at Co. Cork, good dairy grazing parcels are being leased for €250-350/ac, while prices for tillage land in mid-Cork are sitting at €200-250/ac for cereals and €300/ac for maize. Meanwhile, potato ground prices are starting at €300/ac.