Teagasc predicts increase in milk price, challenges for beef

Teagasc’s outlook for 2017 is mixed for farmers, with some positives for dairy but with further challenges ahead for the beef sector.

In its year-end review and outlook for the year ahead, issued in Dublin’s RDS, Teagasc anticipates the annual average milk price will rise by 20% in 2017 relative to the 2016 level, bringing the annual average milk price to 32.2c per litre.

However, the Irish beef sector is facing into a tough year. Beef supplies across the EU are forecast to increase next year.