One farm family in the midlands breathed a sigh of relief yesterday evening following the arrival of a Glanbia milk lorry for the routine collection.
The lorry arrived just in time – following some anxiety over whether the lorry would be able to make it before the next milking.
Speaking to AgriLand, the farmer noted that the lorry arrived shortly before the usual starting time for evening milking; a very welcome arrival considering the bulk tank had nearly reached full capacity – and had no hope of holding another milking’s worth.
This is but one example of numerous cases around the country for dairy farmers, anxiously waiting to see if their milk could be collected before they ran out of storage capacity.
Progress made today on milk collections & bulk feed deliveries with hauliers working through the night to help clear backlog. However, accessibility remains a challenge. Trojan efforts being made by our farmers, drivers, milk advisors & supply team. Thank you all
— Dairygold Co-Op (@DairygoldCo_Op) March 3, 2018
In the nick of time. There is more in this collection than all 3 in February. pic.twitter.com/6hv8zj7mqA
— Michael Harding (@MichaelH1884) March 4, 2018
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?????@GIMILKQUALITY @Wilbyr pic.twitter.com/nqFYVrYfht
— Catherine (@Cow785) March 4, 2018
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‘Monumental efforts’
The past few days have caused considerable disruptions across the board for both suppliers and consumers.
Lakeland Dairies has praised its hauliers, milk suppliers and staff for their “monumental efforts” over the past number of days of very bad weather to keep milk collections going to the best possible extent.
Lakeland Dairies thanked its milk suppliers for all of their hard work in helping carters with gritting of yards and lanes and the provision of tractor towing to assist lorries on and off the farm.
Milk collections have returned to normal across most of the co-operative’s region and have also been ramped up since yesterday (Sunday).
In the days prior to the snow storm, milk collections had also intensified, right up to Wednesday night. Milk collections resumed in some areas on Friday evening and most carters were operating on Saturday.
Collection centres were not established; however, some farmers made arrangements to bring milk to their carter on nearby main roads.