A mass rally at the Eikon Exhibition Centre over inheritance tax changes drew 6,500 people and became a defining moment of William Irvine’s tenure as president of the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU).

Irvine has now returned to the family farm in Mountnorris, County Armagh, where he works alongside his son David. He described the transition from union president back to member as sudden, noting that life has become much quieter.

The inheritance tax proposals dominated his time in office. He said nothing in his lifetime had galvanised rural support like the issue, and the rally reinforced the message that the changes would destroy family farms. Irvine travelled to Westminster more times than any of his predecessors and consistently predicted the government would yield ground.

When alterations to the proposals were announced before Christmas 2025, he believed they transformed the outlook for most family farms in Northern Ireland, though work remains.

Another major challenge was the Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) proposals, introduced in spring last year. Irvine said the original plans would have devastated local farming, but after extensive lobbying the final framework allowed productive agriculture to continue while meeting environmental obligations.

Bovine TB is one issue Irvine wishes he had been able to move forward. He said the disease continues to cause problems and preventing further spread remains a priority for the industry.

Looking ahead, Irvine said he is confident about the future of farming in Northern Ireland. He pointed to the need for food security in an uncertain world, the determination of the local farming community, and the region’s climate as key advantages.

He is now on light duties at the farm and plans to take more holidays with his wife Ruth. Irvine said his heart has always been in farming and he is content to be back where he started.