IFA push budget priorities with minister

Teagasc predict boost in farm incomes this year

Last week's meeting with Minister Martin Heydon kick started the IFA’s lobbying that they vow to continue until Budget 2026 is delivered in October.

IFA President Francie Gorman led the delegation last week to discuss their pre-Budget submission with the Minister for Agriculture.

Francie Gorman said the budget significance lies in its opportunity for the Government to make good on the commitments in the programme for Government.

“Our officers around the country will engage with TDs and Senators at local level and IFA will hold its pre-Budget session with members of the Oireachtas in September,” he detailed.

The IFA's submission has "a comprehensive" set of proposals that cover the key taxation and funding areas for farming.

“The Budget in October will be against the backdrop of growing uncertainty for farm families, whether that’s the impact of tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump or the CAP negotiations that began officially in Brussels this week,” he said.

Farm incomes

The IFA meeting came in the same week as a report from Teagasc economists assessesing prospects for Irish farm incomes this year was published.

It found that average income for Cattle Rearing farms is forecast to be €25,000 in 2025, up 85%, while Cattle Other (primarily finishing) farms are expected to see incomes rise by 44% to €26,000.

Lamb prices are likely to be 8% higher in 2025 relative to last year. With production costs slightly higher and support continuing under the Sheep Welfare Scheme, ACRES and Organic Farming Scheme, Sheep farms are expected to record an average income of just under €34,000 in 2025, representing an 22% improvement on the previous year.

In the pig sector, production volumes are projected to rise by a further 1.5% this year. However, it is expected that pig prices will decline by approximately 12 cent per kg, while production costs are likely to be down by just 2 cent per kg. The margin over feed cost is forecast to decline by 7% in 2025, when compared to 2024, but the sector will continue to return modest profitability.

Average farm income across all systems in 2025 is now forecast to reach €48,500, representing a 39% increase on the 2024 figure.