Here we go again!

And here we go, January 2026 kicks off. We blinked and 2025 came and went. They say the older you get, the quicker time passes; if that is the case, I'm gonna be very old before my time! It was a year of highs in the beef sector, stability in the dairy sector, and lows in the tillage sector. We had tariffs, new rules and regulations, climate-change impacts, increased costs, all sorts of weather, and a load more in 2025. To paraphrase Irish poet, Sean Ó Casey, the country ‘is in a state o’ chassis’. Yes, our economy was stable. Yes, there were green shoots of positivity. But there was also uncertainty. As we turn our attention to a new year, let’s hope we see a better start, weather wise, and a burst of confidence coming through.

I learned last year, as I travelled extensively, that agriculture the world over share similar experiences. Indian farmers are upping horsepower, increasing the variety of their crops, and expanding their farms through local collaboration. American farmers are in crisis. Central European farmers are battling drought, floods and unstable markets. And the central plains of Russia and Ukraine are still reeling from war. The southern hemisphere seems to be where it’s at – India, China, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand (which attracts a lot of Irish).

If I were a young man again, I would be on the east side of India, around the city of Chennai – where I was last October. The growth in infrastructure and investment there is off the wall. This country is becoming the jewel in the world’s crown. As America, Russia and Europe lock horns on war and security issues – Korea, too – India is forging ahead. In my opinion, it will be the next superpower.

Now, down to business and I am going back a little to look forward! Agritechnica was the only show in town at the back end of last year with everything from alternative fuels to new launches and farming concepts for the future. We will feature many of these new launches in 2026 in my From the Cab section, from Deutz Fahr’s all-new 8 series to Valtra G series’ new CVT options, and more. Despite uncertainties, the Irish tractor market performed well in 2025, according to the Farm Tractor and Machinery Trade Association. It was up by 14 per cent, year on year, to the end of November 2025, with 2,051 registered. One in every four tractors sold in Ireland is in the 160hp to 200hp range, accounting for 25 per cent of all tractors sold.

And, as mentioned above, India is also upping the horsepower – from 25hp to 50hp – citing the need for more horsepower to cover more ground quicker and at less cost.

Until next month, farm safely and farm wisely! And a very happy new year to you all.