It appears unlikely that 2020 will bring relief to the drystock sectors, with margins, particularly in the cattle sectors, static.

In 2019, prices for finished cattle decreased by 6% despite a lower volume of cattle passing through the system. The fall in prices had a knock-on effect for suckler farmers, with weanling prices also suffering.

Teagasc research officer Jason Loughrey emphasised the important role the introduction of the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) has played in offsetting the price drops. However, farmers have yet to receive any BEAM money.

The average suckler farm will return a gross margin of €416/ha and a finishing enterprise €450/ha

Despite forecasted falls in fertiliser and feed prices and a rise in finished cattle and weanling prices, up 4% and 2% respectively, margins will remain static.

The average suckler farm will return a gross margin of €416/ha and a finishing enterprise €450/ha. Net margins remain negative. Anne Kinsella of Teagasc had slightly more positive news for sheep farmers, with net margins forecast to rise to €118/ha from €79/ha in 2019.

She said lamb price would remain static but there would be a drop-off in feed and fertiliser costs, down 5% and 7% respectively.