What does the rest of 2026 have in store for Irish farmers?

The latest Teagasc outlook points to a tougher year ahead, with falling dairy and cattle prices, rising costs and global economic uncertainty combining to squeeze farm incomes.

In this episode of AgriFocus, Agriland editor Stella Meehan chats to Trevor Donnellan, head of the agricultural economics and farm surveys department with Teagasc.

Trevor outlines why lower milk prices are set to sharply reduce margins on dairy farms this year.

On this epsiode he also discusses the volatility in milk prices and why the short-term is going to be challenging for the dairy sector.

Teagasc

The Teagasc Outlook 2026 report suggests that family farm income in 2026 is forecast to fall on average to €33,600 - down 38% on the €53,800 average for 2025.

According to Trevor this volatility in farm incomes is a "huge issue" and he highlights how important support payments are to Irish farmers and for the next generation of farmers.

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