Northern Ireland's agricultural sector achieved a significant milestone in 2025, with total farm profits exceeding £1 billion. This substantial financial performance was largely driven by a remarkable surge in the beef sector, which saw prices reach record highs.
The value of output from beef farmers increased by 37% in 2025, reaching nearly £900 million. This rise occurred despite a slight decrease in the overall volume of beef produced. The uptick in beef prices reflects a broader, long-term trend observed across the United Kingdom and Europe, where farmers have been exiting beef production due to years of low profitability and stringent regulations. This reduction in supply, combined with consistent consumer demand, has led to the price increases.
Beyond beef, the dairy and egg production sectors also demonstrated strong performance in 2025. These segments of Northern Ireland's agriculture have undergone considerable consolidation and investment over the past decade, contributing to their robust financial results.
Looking at individual farm levels, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) has projected a 19% increase in profits for the 2025/26 period. This forecast suggests that the average farm income is expected to rise from approximately £56,390 in 2024/25 to £66,840 in 2025/26 across all farm types.