Income 'crisis' a threat to livestock sectors

Farms experienced a drop of 19% in income last year, with almost 40% having a family farm income of less than €5,000.

A new report by economists at Teagasc provides an updated forecast on the average margins and incomes expected across the agricultural sector in Ireland for 2024.

Livestock farmers are experiencing an income "crisis", Irish Farmers' Association president Francie Gorman has warned. 

Speaking ahead of this weekend's Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show, which is a positive opportunity for the sector "to showcase the unique national asset it is", Mr Gorman said that this has been a "hugely challenging year".