Dairy farmers are paying €150/ha (€60/acre) more than beef farmers for land rental nationwide, exclusive Irish Farmers Journal research can reveal.

A survey of 170 leases across 23 counties encompassing more than 3,000ha (8,500ac) showed dairy farmers are paying €550/ha (€220/ac) on average for grassland on a leased basis, with beef farmers paying €400/ha (€160/ac). The price gap between the sectors exists right across the country.

The dairy drive sees Munster with the highest average price per acre of €207, closely followed by Leinster at €205/ac, Ulster at €177/ac and Connacht at €156/ac.

Almost 75% of dairy farmers are paying over €500/ha (€200/ac) for leased land, with over half of these paying over €625/ha (€250/acre).

In contrast to this, three in five beef farmers are paying €420/ha (€170/acre) or less for leased land.

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