Dairy farm incomes show dramatic drop in the first half of 2026

Dairy farmers could have experienced a loss of almost €38,000 in milk payments within the first half of 2026, depending on which co-op they supplied

Topping the table for the smallest difference in 2025 to 2026 milk payments are the four West Cork co-ops Lisavaird, Drinagh, Barryroe and Bandon all operating under Carbery Group.

Recent analysis revealed that dairy farmers lost from €31,000 to almost €38,000 in the first half of the year compared to 2025 figures, depending on the co-op they supplied.

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) compiled and analysed the data following the announcement of the June milk prices, compiling and comparing January to June milk payments in 2026 to 2025.