News Income estimate
Livestock farming income development varies considerably
Dairy and poultry farmers achieved exceptionally strong incomes in 2025, according to the annual income estimates from Wageningen Economic and Social Research (WUR). Strong milk and livestock prices underpinned these gains. Meanwhile, pig farmers' incomes have fallen significantly. A sharp drop in pig prices was accompanied by a significant increase in manure disposal costs.
Despite recent declines in milk prices, dairy farmers' incomes will reach an exceptionally high level in 2025. Both milk and slaughter prices have been high throughout the year. The average operating income of conventional dairy farms is estimated to be €46.000 higher than in 2024, at €120.000 per unpaid annual labor unit (ALU). This refers to agricultural entrepreneurs and their family members. Official salaries are generally not charged to these farmers.
Increases throughout the year the milk price The average is expected to rise to €56 per 100 kilos, including additional payments, while the yields from slaughter cattle in particular are increasing sharply: calf prices are approximately 160% higher and slaughter cows yield approximately 40% more.
Organic dairy farmers are also benefiting from the favorable market climate. Their average income is estimated at €90.000 by 2025, the highest level this century. The price of organic milk is rising by 12% to almost €68 per 100 kilos, and slaughter prices for organic livestock have also increased. Costs are rising only slightly, primarily due to interest and investments, and are partially offset by lower feed costs.
Pig income below average
Pig farming incomes have come under significant pressure this year. The decline is primarily due to lower pig prices. On average, prices for both pigs and piglets fell by 8% year-over-year. Stabilizing European production, a saturated market, and a weakened export position are depressing prices. Yields fell by an average of 5%, while costs rose. High manure prices, in particular, were the underlying cause of the increase.
At the same time, costs are rising slightly. Lower feed prices failed to offset rising expenses, particularly due to the rising price of manure disposal. Income trends vary significantly by farm type: pig farms seeing their income fall to around €25.000, while closed farms saw an average loss of almost €195.000. Their income stood at €145.000. Only sow farms, at around €368.000, still maintain a relatively high income level, despite a slight decline.
Poultry yields skyrocket
Income on laying hen farms is expected to reach a historic high in 2025. An average income of approximately €575.000 is estimated, €235.000 more than in 2024 and over €400.000 above the multi-year average. This sharp increase is almost entirely attributable to higher egg prices, which are on average approximately 20% higher than a year earlier. Due to persistently strong demand and a global shortage of supplies, prices remain high. The main reason for this is avian influenza. Feed costs, which account for approximately 60% of total costs, have remained virtually stable year-on-year.
Broiler farms will also benefit from favorable market conditions in 2025. Average income will increase by approximately €130.000 to around €460.000. The gains will be primarily generated on the revenue side. Both slow-growing chicks and conventionally kept chicks will yield an average of approximately 10% more, against the backdrop of rising global demand and limited supply. Feed prices have fallen slightly, while feed costs also account for more than 60% of total operating costs.
Matthew Bremer
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