Northern Ireland farm profits topped £1bn in 2025
The overall performance in 2025 was heavily influenced by developments in the beef sector which saw prices rise to record levels.
Northern Ireland's agricultural sector achieved a significant milestone in 2025, with farm profits surpassing £1 billion for the first time, marking a 36% real-term increase. This profit figure is determined by evaluating the total value of output and subsidies, then deducting production and finance expenses.
Overall output saw a 12% rise, reaching £3.6 billion, while input costs experienced a marginal increase to £2.2 billion. Farm profits are inherently volatile, susceptible to external influences such as global markets and weather patterns.
The exceptional performance in 2025 was largely driven by developments in the beef sector, where prices escalated to unprecedented levels. Beef farmers witnessed a 37% surge in the value of their output, nearing £900 million, despite a slight reduction in the volume of beef produced. This rise in beef prices reflects long-term trends observed across the UK and European industries. Farmers have been exiting beef farming due to years of low profitability and stricter regulations, leading to a decrease in supply. This, combined with consistent consumer demand, has pushed prices upward.
Other strong performers in Northern Ireland's farming industry in 2025 included dairy and egg production. Both these sectors have undergone substantial consolidation and investment over the past decade.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) projects that individual farm profits are likely to increase by 19% in 2025/26. This would translate to an average profit across all farm types rising from £56,390 in 2024/25 to £66,840 in 2025/26.
Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir acknowledged the positive results for 2025 but cautioned that this strong performance is unlikely to be sustained throughout the current year. He stated: "The agriculture sector as a whole performed strongly in 2025 with high prices for most commodities particularly milk and beef. While these results are positive, I recognise that market prices have fallen considerably in 2026 while input costs have risen with an uncertain outlook for the period ahead."
Public subsidies accounted for just under 30% of the 2025 profit, a historically low figure. In past lean years, subsidies have often constituted the majority, or even the entirety, of the sector's profits.
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