Full coverage: Ag-tech

The Belfast-based livestock nutrition company is investing massively in its new global research and development centre in Co Meath, where it hopes to produce carbon-neutral beef and dairy by 2025. But the lenders behind a €118m refinancing package are keeping a close watch as its existing business faces the challenges of Brexit and Covid-19. To provide guarantees, Owen Brennan’s group has been reorganising.

Live streams, smartphone bids and USB gavels became features of livestock sales as soon as the Covid-19 lockdown closed marts to the public. Technology providers are vying for this business, which appears to be here to stay.

Irish entrepreneurs have attracted attention – and capital – in the rush to revolutionise agriculture with technology. Here are some of those who are converting ideas into solid investment, and why their backers decided to take the plunge.

Ag-tech entrepreneur Aidan Connolly looks to the Irish start-up scene for answers to the questions facing cattle farming and beef processing.