A new survey by Teagasc shows that farm incomes around the country increased by 18% last year.
While the incomes of beef and sheep farmers declined by around 10% and 7 % in 2007, higher milk and cereal prices led to an increase in the average farm income.
Teagasc, which carries out the National Farm Survey, also says the data it has collected suggests that farm incomes will continue to be volatile in the next few years.
Similar surveys showed that farm incomes increased in 2005, were down in 2006, and up again in 2007.
Dairy and tillage continued to be the most profitable farm enterprises last year with average farm incomes of €51,000 on dairy farms and over €40,000 on tillage farms.
