Preliminary estimates of the agricultural operating surplus have seen an increase of 29% or €1.2bn in 2025, bringing the total to €5.5 bn. The increase was driven mainly by higher cattle prices, which rose by 43%. Milk also saw a 10% increase in milk value, with the CSO citing the higher volumes, an increase of 7%, as the main driver. Cereal values dropped by €13m as a 10% increase in volumes was counteracted by lower prices of 12%. A 5% increase in fertiliser prices combined with higher volumes, an increase of 16%, resulted in their cost growing by €132m to €733m.

Source: Irish Examiner March 10, 2026 15:56 UTC