New figures for farming income in Ireland last year show dairy and tillage farmers had a bumper year despite increased input costs.
These latest farm income figures were published in the Teagasc National Farm survey for last year and paint a contrasting picture across farm sectors.
The average dairy farm income in Ireland in 2022 was €151,000 before tax, up 53% on the previous year.
However that income figure represent 1.45 labour units, reflecting the fact that many dairy farm entities involve more than one farmer.
Tillage farmers' income was up 32% on 2021 to €77,000 before tax.
Teagasc warned, however, that 2023 will be a very different year.
Dr Emma Dillion, senior research officer with the organisation, said average dairy incomes could drop by half this year, with the price of milk already back 20c per litre.
Tillage farmers are facing poorer world prices for grain, while weather conditions this year have been unfavourable for the tillage sector.
Income for sheep farmers and cattle rearing farmers in 2022 dropped 21% and 13% respectively.
Mixed livestock farmers saw income increase by 32% to €46,000.
2022 was a volatile year in terms of input and output prices overall.
Dairy production costs reached their highest level in 2022, reflecting a sharp rise in direct and overhead costs.
Milk volume output was relatively unchanged in the period however.
Tillage farmers benefitted from higher cereal prices in 2022, and good weather conditions leading to good crop yields.
They also faced higher fertiliser, contacting and overhead costs.
