Cattle prices drive 29% increase in agricultural operating surplus

Milk also saw a 10% increase in milk value, with the CSO citing the higher volumes, an increase of 7%, as the main driver

Overall, the value of Livestock increased by 25% (€1.2bn) to a €5.9bn total in 2025. File picture

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.

According to the latest Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures, the value of agricultural output at basic prices rose by 12% (€1.5bn) to €14.0bn in 2025. The increase was driven mainly by higher cattle prices, which rose by 43%.