Beef
The beef chairperson for the ICMSA has that there are "opportunities to exploit EU markets which the Brazilians had in their sights".
Dairy
ICMSA figures show a fall of over €600 million in milk revenues to dairy farmers in the first six months of 2026 compared to 2025.
"Green shoots of recovery" are visible on milk prices, dairy farmers have said.
There was positive movement in the direction of milk prices, as 11 of the 14 major co-ops increased offerings for July supplies.
Agri-Business
Farmers have "very hard choices" coming down the line as tax bills from 2025 start coming through, ICMSA said.
The ICMSA has urged for "more energy" from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on bluetongue vaccination.
Bord Bia has been called on to protect Irish beef in Britain ahead of a possible spike in beef from Brazil entering that market.
The government has been urged to introduce measures to deal with "wildly erratic and unpredictable" farm incomes.
Grass
Minister Martin Heydon has been called on to provide financial supports to stave off a coming fodder shortage.
Farm Safety
Farmers are being urged to keep safety at the front of their minds while working to make sure cattle have enough fodder during the drought.
Drought
ICOS has added to the growing number of calls for the National Fodder and Food Security Committee to be reconvened.
As milk supplies "look certain to fall", dairy farmers have called on co-ops to raise prices.
The ICMSA has slammed what it claims is the "potential self-destruction at marketing level" of Irish butter in the US market.
There was some movement amongst the co-op for the month of June, as five processors increased their base price offerings.
Agri Politics
Could a state-subsidised supermarket be the answer to rising food prices and help boost farm incomes? One councillor believes it would.
Rural Life
Farmers are being urged to use the the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes (TAMS 3) to help improve farm security.
Environment
Farmers are warning that drought conditions are putting increasing pressure on livestock and grass growth as dry weather persists.
The Department of Agriculture (DAFM) said it is focused on ensuring all valid Fuel Income Support Scheme claims are "paid in a timely manner"
The Fuel Income Support Scheme has "failed to recognise" periods of heaviest fuel usage, the ICMSA said.
Ireland risks being left behind on fertiliser support, with the government facing fresh calls to "immediately" introduce a scheme.
ICMSA has warned that the right funding is not secured in the next CAP, “everything afterwards is nearly meaningless”.
Dairy News
The ICMSA has claimed that average milk suppliers are "down thousands" in the first half of 2026, compared to last year.
Milk prices held relatively stable for once again for May supplies, with no direct cuts from any processors.
