As thousands of farmers gather at the National Ploughing Championships next week, machinery, farm improvements and plans for the future will once again be high on the agenda.

However, for many farmers, the conversation this year will also be about managing the immediate months ahead.

This year has brought its own set of pressures for farmers.

Higher input costs, changing output prices and the impact of prolonged dry weather have put pressure on margins across many farms.

Fodder availability is also a concern heading into the autumn and winter months.

In that environment, access to finance is not just about making the next big investment.

It can also be about protecting cashflow, purchasing feed or stock, replacing essential machinery or giving a farm some breathing room.

Cultivate, the farmer-friendly finance offering at your local credit union, is a good starting point.

The Cultivate team will be at the Ploughing from September 15 to 17, 2026 at Stand 188, Row 10, Block 4, so call in for a chat and a (free) coffee.

Plan early, rather than when the pressure arrives

One of the clearest messages for farmers this autumn is to assess their financial position early.

A prolonged dry spell left grass growth well behind and farmers across much of the country have been dipping into winter fodder reserves and buying in feed far earlier than they had planned.

Cultivate advises speaking to your credit union sooner rather than later, because the earlier they understand your situation, the more they can do to help.

If you are experiencing a short-term cashflow gap caused by the weather, a Cultivate loan can bridge the shortfall.

Equally, a bigger investment can often be structured in a way that still works for the individual farmer and their income.

There is no need to be an existing credit union member to apply for a Cultivate loan.

How Cultivate works

Cultivate is a farm lending initiative offered through participating credit unions across the Republic of Ireland, providing finance specifically for farmers.

Since it launched in 2017, the network has grown steadily to include participating credit unions nationwide.

Designed around the way farming actually works, Cultivate’s goal is to offer farm lending that reflects the realities of running a farm business.

Farmers can borrow up to €100,000 unsecured for up to 10 years.

A number of the participating credit unions offer secured loans of up to €300,000 over 30 years for large-scale capital expenditure such as new sheds, land purchases and funding of inheritance tax.

For anyone looking at a bigger project, that longer-term option can help turn an investment idea into a practical plan.

Your local credit union

Credit unions have always been rooted in their communities and that local knowledge is particularly valuable when it comes to agriculture.

Cultivate staff understand the realities of farming in the area.

It feeds into every part of how Cultivate operates, from the first conversation to the way repayments are set up.

Not every farmer who gets in touch will need finance straight away but knowing the option is there and knowing the people behind it makes a difference when the time comes.

For farmers considering finance, the first step does not have to be a loan application.

It can simply be a conversation about the farm, what is planned, where cashflow may become tight and what options are available.

You can also call us on 1800 839 999.

Loans are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating, which may limit your ability to access credit in the future. The cost of your repayments may increase. Credit unions in Ireland are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.