Farmers face uncertainty over proposed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) changes, while fertiliser aid and firmer beef prices offer some relief.

Irish Farmers Journal editor Adam Woods discussed the issues in an interview.

Research in the Journal of Antibiotics found antibiotic residues in soil from large Argentinian feedlots. Woods said 40% of detected antibiotics were not recorded as being used at the sampled sites.

Monensin, banned in Europe for 25 years, was found at every site. The Irish Farmers Association has referred the findings to the European Commission, awaiting a decision on further investigation.

A €45 million fertiliser support fund will draw on usage recorded in farmers’ 2025 fertiliser register. The scheme combines €15 million in EU funding with an Irish government top-up. Payments are expected to average €34 per tonne, with a maximum of €4,000 per farm. Farmers must apply using their records.

Woods warned proposed CAP changes could cut €93 billion from the seven-year budget and reduce entitlements to €130 per hectare.

Though the financial framework may increase, countries seek a smaller CAP allocation. An agreement before Ireland’s EU presidency ends in December appears unlikely; European elections in 2027 may further complicate negotiations.

Livestock markets offered a brighter note: exporters are shipping weanlings to North Africa, with a load carrying about 1,500–1,600 animals, including in-calf dairy heifers.

Beef prices have risen 40 cents per kilo, and top weanlings have reached around €6 per kilo at marts. Woods said the gains were welcome after a difficult year for farmers.