Stephen Cadogan: Fine weather, full tanks and falling prices — the dairy paradox of 2025
Milk prices remained strong this year until the autumn, running about 7% higher than 2024, but the cycle has turned downwards at the worst possible time, and 2026 now looks challenging, whether or not the nitrates derogation is retained.
What a difference a couple of months make in farming? Milk prices remained strong this year until the autumn, running about 7% higher than 2024.
In August, Teagasc predicted the average dairy farm income could reach €140,000 this year, 30% higher than 2024. Following a 119% increase in income from the 2023 slump to 2024, dairy farmers could console themselves that the nitrates derogation risk was cushioned by profitability.
