Award-winning novice auctioneer reports busy land leasing market
The year has kicked off with strong demand in the land leasing market, driven by low stock levels, according to Co. Meath man, Sean McRedmond, who recently emerged victorious in the IPAV novice rostrum auctioneer competition 2025.
"With long-term leases now the norm, many farmers are eager to renew and extend their agreements, aware that available land is becoming increasingly scarce. As a result, land coming up for lease is achieving strong prices, with values increasing year-on-year," he said.
One of the biggest trends this year, according to McRedmond who grew up on his family's farm in Clonard, Co. Meath, is the rise of young farmers entering the leasing market, largely fuelled by the National Reserve Scheme, which, he said, provides crucial support to those looking to establish themselves.
"The livestock trade is another major driver of demand, with 2025 seeing a significant increase in cattle prices," he said.
"This has contributed to a more positive outlook on the beef industry, leading to increased interest in land from beef farmers.
"Meanwhile, dairy farmers remain highly active in the market, with ongoing discussions around the nitrates derogation continuing to shape land demand," McRedmond said.
He was reared on Abbey Farm, a family-run beef enterprise that has recently transitioned into robotic milking.
"Farming is at the heart of everything we do, and my family - my parents, Margie and Brian McRedmond, my sisters, Eve and Joanne, and my youngest brother, Niall - have all played a role in shaping who I am today," McRedmond said.
His father, Brian, is a well known cattle dealer, regularly travelling between Kerry and Meath.
"From a young age, I accompanied him to marts, where I was captivated by the energy of live auctions. It was there, in the lively sale rings of Kerry, that my passion for auctioneering was born," McRedmond said.
Determined to turn this interest into a career, he enrolled in auctioneering, real estate, and valuations at TUD Bolton Street in 2020. Eager to gain hands-on experience, he worked with Murtagh Brothers in Mullingar, one day a week while studying.
This practical experience helped develop his skills, and after two years, he secured his auctioneering license.
In 2023, he joined Raymond Potterton Auctioneers where he specialises in land sales, leasing, and valuations, also handling residential property sales and valuations. Raymond Potterton and Stephen Barry have been "incredible mentors," he said.
"A defining moment in my career came when I entered the IPAV novice rostrum auctioneer competition 2025 at Tattersalls in Fairyhouse," he said.
"Competing against some of the most promising young auctioneers, I put everything into my performance and was thrilled to emerge as the winner.
"As part of this achievement, I have been awarded an incredible opportunity, a week-long trip to Texas to train at the American Auction Academy. This prestigious institution is home to some of the world’s best auctioneers, and I’m eager to refine my craft even further," McRedmond added.
Social media has become an essential tool in the agricultural property market, McRedmond acknowledged.
"At Raymond Potterton Auctioneers, we have seen strong engagement on our land and farming related posts, as farmers increasingly look online for updates on available land," he added.
"To make market information even more accessible, we recently launched the Raymond Potterton Agricultural Community, a WhatsApp group that provides instant updates on land sales and leases. This ensures that no-one misses out on opportunities that could be vital to their future plans.
"Technology has transformed how land and livestock sales take place. Online bidding platforms now play a crucial role in both marts and land auctions, offering buyers greater convenience and flexibility.
"Whether it’s for privacy reasons or simply because they can’t attend in person, online bidding has opened up the market to a wider audience and made transactions more efficient," he added.
Looking ahead, land sales will be ramping up in the coming months, McRedmond contended.
"Based on last year’s performance, we expect continued strong demand. With stock levels remaining low, any farm that comes to the market is likely to attract significant interest," he added.
McRedmond recommends auctioneering to anyone looking for a rewarding career.
"It’s an industry that builds confidence, introduces you to new people every day, and provides real stability. More than that, it’s a profession filled with great people, and there is no greater joy than helping clients through some of life’s biggest decisions whether it’s selling land, a home, or livestock," he finished.
