Grassland Club elects new officers as they analyse dairy and beef markets
A detailed analysis of the dairy and beef markets was outlined to members of Fermanagh Grassland Club at their annual general meeting held in the Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen in December.
The speaker, Darren Carty, from the Irish Farmers’ Journal, also farms in Co. Galway where his family run a suckler and sheep farm.
Darren looked at prospects for dairy and beef producers, giving detailed analysis of trends and presenting the factors likely to affect the markets in 2026.
Dairy market supplies increased globally in 2025 and market prices are now weaker than two years ago with up to 10 cents off prices with further cuts to come. Many dairy producers are operating below cost of production. Despite this, Darren said, 2025 was a relatively good year for the dairy industry.
Milk production globally is influencing factors nearer home. Across the EU production was up 4.3 per cent; in the US, it was up 4 per cent and New Zealand up 2 per cent.
The lower feed costs were driving increased production in the US.
Nearer home, milk supplies in the UK were up 5.3 per cent and in Ireland up by 5.8 per cent. This has came through favourable weather conditions and cheaper feed combined with high milk prices encouraging farmers to increase production.
In the EU countries, recovery from Bluetongue restrictions was faster than expected. Darren expected that it will be into the third quarter of 2026 before there is any upward change in milk prices.
Giving an overview of the beef market, Darren started off by noting the decrease in suckler numbers by 23 per cent between 2013 and 2023 while dairy cows numbers rose by 38 per cent.
However there is a significant forecast of increased beef consumption worldwide with reductions in cattle herds internationally. For example the US cattle herd is at a record low with Brazil increasing their exports to the US.
An investigation into animal welfare issues including traceability in Brazil has resulted in controversial trade issues.
He said the take home message for beef farmers was there is a good demand for beef but Irish farmers need to sell their beef as a premium product.
At the annual general meeting of the Club held following the presentation by Darren Carty, the activities of the previous year were noted.
The new office-bearers for 2026 are:
Chairman – Mr Connor Donaldson, Farm Manager at Lisgoole Abbey Estate,
Enniskillen; Vice-Chairman – Mr Rodney Clarke.
Secretary – Mr. William Johnston.
Treasurer – Mr Philip Clarke.
Committee – Office bearers and six others; Trevor Dunn, John Egerton, David Foster, Nigel Graham, James Murphy and Alan Warnock.
The next meeting takes place on Tuesday, 13 January in the Killyhevlin Hotel when the speaker is Glarryford dairy farmer, Stephen Houston.