Farmer Intelligence Hub

Late summer brings changing fortunes for Irish agriculture. Beef prices are coming off their peak, milk returns are still robust but softer, and weather remains the big unknown for grass, silage, and fodder. Here’s where we stand heading into August and September.

Beef Sector: Peak Passed, Cautious Outlook

As July closes, base steer prices are €7.25–7.40/kg, heifers €7.30–7.40/kg, and U-grade bulls €7.50–7.60/kg. Quotes have eased slightly from June’s highs and some factories are quietly cutting by 5–10c/kg, especially for heavier or lower-grade cattle.

Throughput is increasing as more delayed spring finishers and summer grass cattle come forward. Expect prices to ease towards €7.10–7.30/kg in August and potentially closer to €7.00–7.20/kg in September if numbers continue to rise and weather stays dry enough for finishing.

Export demand is firm but global uncertainty (China, US) remains a risk. R/U grade cows should hold above €7.00/kg for now; plainer cows may drop to €6.40–7.00/kg.

Dairy Market: High Returns, Softer Global Tone

Co-ops are still paying all-in prices of 52–54 c/L for July milk, but global markets are showing more caution, especially for powders and butter. Most processors aim to hold the base at 49–50 c/L, but bonuses may be trimmed as buyers become wary.

The outlook for August is 52–54 c/L all-in; for September expect a slight dip to 51–53 c/L. Watch for changing trends in China/EU demand and potential currency swings.

Margins are still positive with average production costs at ~36 c/L, but input prices (feed, fertiliser, diesel) remain stubbornly high.

Grass & Silage: Weather Still the Wildcard

Second-cut silage remains delayed in many regions. A late-July dry spell could help grass quality bounce, but prolonged rain will hurt regrowth and bulk yields. Fodder stocks could tighten quickly if weather doesn’t cooperate in August.

Outlook: August–September 2025

• Beef: Market may slip from early August highs; steers/heifers trending towards €7.10–7.30/kg (August) and €7.00–7.20/kg (September) as supplies increase.
• Dairy: All-in prices remain strong, but global demand risks may bring a 1–2c/L dip for September milk.
• Grass/Silage: Late cuts and patchy regrowth—fodder situation will hinge on August weather.
• Costs: Fertiliser, feed, and energy remain high—tight cost control is critical.

Advice: Market cattle promptly if fit, maximise milk solids, and plan fodder carefully. Watch for global shocks and respond quickly to weather changes.