The pattern and character of Northern Ireland farming is to-day very different from what it was a century ago. The farms, although still relatively small, were then very much smaller, and the output of farm products was very low. The changes in farm organisation consequent upon the gradual increase in the size of farms made it possible for the occupiers to keep more stock. Indeed, the tendency to-day for consolidation of holdings into larger units is being accentuated by economic conditions and developments in farm mechanisation.

Climatic conditions have also played a big part in the expansion of stock farming. While the rainfall cannot be regarded as excessive, at least in the east, it tends to be unduly persistent in the harvest months so that crop production, especially of cereals, is a risky business. In the west, with a higher rainfall, it is even more so. This enforced limitation of cropping has induced farmers to concentrate more on the production of livestock and their associated products.