Milk collection services set to be disrupted across the country

Milk collection services will be disrupted in the coming days, as farmers, processors and hauliers look to band together to overcome the tough weather conditions.

As a result of the Status Red snow and ice warning being extended to cover the entire country, LacPatrick Dairies has confirmed there will be disruptions to milk collections.

Following a meeting of the LacPatrick emergency response team this morning (Thursday), it was decided that staff at the Monaghan town site will finish work at 2:00pm this afternoon and that the site will not open tomorrow.

Milk will now be collected on a “case-by-case basis“, according to group logistics manager at LacPatrick, Ian Hamilton.

There will be disruptions to milk collections as and from this morning. We would urge farmers who need milk collected to contact their local haulier to see if it is possible to have their milk collected.

“Our hauliers are committed to getting milk collected; but, we are insistent that safety is the number one priority.

“Again we would like to thank farmers for making every effort in having their lanes and yards cleaned and gritted. This is critical in aiding the collection of the milk,” Hamilton said.

Kerry

Speaking to AgriLand, a spokesperson for Kerry explained that efforts have been made in recent days to increase milk collection services to ensure farmers’ tanks are as low as possible.

From 2:00pm this afternoon, Kerry’s milk collection lorries will be off the road – this timeline also applies to its feed deliveries.

As well as this, Kerry Agribusiness stores will close at 2:00pm today – in line with the updated weather warnings and advice issued in recent hours. The stores will remain closed tomorrow (Friday) and are expected to reopen on Saturday at 9:00am.

We will review the situation tomorrow afternoon, once we are provided with the latest updates.

Glanbia Ireland

Glanbia Ireland’s milk collection services and feed deliveries will both be “very limited” today.

Limited collections are ongoing – but all areas have challenges & accessibility is changing hourly. Pls bear with us while we trying to collect milk where we can before #StormEmma. If you can safely grit laneways & yards that is a huge help #StaySafe #FarmSafe #GlanbiaIreland

— Glanbia Milk Quality (@GIMILKQUALITY) March 1, 2018

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Most Glanbia Agribusiness stores are currently open for feed collection; but, farmers are asked to please phone ahead before travelling.

It has been confirmed that three branches – including: Kells; Mountmellick; and Windgap – are closed.

Arrabawn

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Arrabawn confirmed that milk collections will be suspended from 4:00pm this evening, until 2:00pm tomorrow, due to the Status Red weather warning that is in place.

The processor’s intention is to recommence collections as soon as weather permits.

Icy conditions meant that most areas were difficult to collect from this morning, the spokesperson added.

Aurivo

Aurivo has urged its suppliers to take care during the extreme weather conditions.

In a statement, it said: “In carrying out your necessary work, please always have your own safety as a top priority. Please keep roadways and yards as clear as possible to facilitate safe milk collection.

“Our hauliers will, as always, try to keep collections operating normally – but there will be some disruptions.”

Dairygold

Similarly, Dairygold has been doing its best to “serve the needs” of its members and customers.

In order to protect the safety of its staff and stakeholders, Dairygold has announced that it will close its operations from 2:00pm today.

It hopes to resume normal business on Friday afternoon; but, will be guided by Met Eireann.

Lakeland Dairies

With regards to Lakeland Dairies, a spokesperson said: “Conditions are generally very difficult for dairy farmers and for milk collections; this is likely to remain the case over the coming days as the storm reaches and passes its peak.

Milk collection is limited in many areas. Milk carters are currently working to collect as much milk as possible while observing national travel and safety warnings.

As with other processors, Lakeland Dairies added that any help in having yards and lanes gritted to assist milk carters with collections would be very much appreciated.

They have also asked suppliers to let milk carters know if roads are dangerous or impassable in their area over the next few days. Lakeland will continue to stay in touch with suppliers to keep them updated.