Dairy Ireland would like to thank all farmers and industry stakeholders that attended our annual conference in Mitchelstown last week.

Opened by Mr Tom Hayes, Minister for State at the Department of Agriculture  highlighted that expansion of Irish dairy industry in the near future, but noted that there was no room for complacency.

Frans Keurentjes, dairy farmer and director of Friesland Campina gave an excellent overview of its Guaranteed Milk Pricing system and outlined the co-op’s Route 2020 strategy, highlighting the future growth potential outside of EU markets, especially in Asia and Russia.

The Finance Expert, John Crawley stressed the importance of farmers building personal relationships with their local bank managers and with business planning.

A panel discussion with industry leaders Jim Woulfe, CEO, Dairygold; Barry Henry, Head Corporate Banking at Rabobank-Ireland, and Frans Keurentjes, Friesland Campina was well received by the audience.

The conference closed with Dairy Ireland launching its new five-point milk pricing incorporating milk price transparency, pricing format, focus on milk constituent value, pricing schedule and future strategy.

Commenting on the event David Murphy, Chairman of Dairy Ireland stated: “Dairy farmers attending our conference today will feel energised and positive about the future of the Irish Dairy Industry. We had an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the efforts that will be required by all industry stakeholders to help ensure that future growth is both sustainable and profitable”

For further details from our conference, see its website. For copies of the presentations given on the day please visit AgriLand.

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