New entrants to dairying were the successful bidders for two dairy farms offered for long-term leasing by Joe Coogan Auctioneers.

The larger farm was 129ac at Foxboro, Mountrath, Co Laois and it was offered in lots for 15 year terms. Lot 1 was 90ac and it opened at €400/ac. Four bidders competed and the lot was knocked down at €490/ac. The successful bidder then agreed to also lease the yard and sheds for a further €5,000 per year.

Lot 2 was the balance of 39.5ac across the road, described as heavier land. Bidding opened at €180/ac, two individuals competed and the land was knocked down at €250/ac – to the successful bidder of Lot 1.

The second auction was for c125ac at Graigueheshia in Co Tipperary, near Urlingford. It was offered for a term of 10 years. The bidding opened at €400/ac and concluded at €500/ac. Both farms have milking parlours.