Tirlán farmer meetings updated on milk and grain prospects

Tirlán shareholders and suppliers are currently attending a series of Farmer Information Sessions, where the co-op is providing updates on business performance and outlining plans for the coming year.

All Tirlán shareholders and suppliers are encouraged to attend. There will also be an online webinar on Tuesday, January 16.

The Tirlán shares office, FarmGen, Twenty20 Beef Club and Sustainability Action Payment team are in attendance to support any queries.

Chairperson John Murphy acknowledged the challenges that Tirlán farmers faced in 2023, with higher costs, weaker grain and dairy markets and periods of extreme weather.

He said that the current dairy market outlook was more positive, with a milk price of 40c/L likely to materialise in the coming months.

Jim Bergin said that Tirlán is close to completing the new €200 million Kilkenny Cheese plant at Belview, which is a joint venture with Royal A-ware from the Netherlands.

The co-op continues to welcome new entrants to milk production.

Tirlán payments to farmers

Tirlán confirmed that over €6 million will be paid out to farmers in the coming weeks for the 2023 Trading Bonus scheme.

This 0.25c/L bonus is paid to dairy farmers that spend more than 8c/L with their own co-op. The Trading Bonus will be retained at the same rate in 2024.

One significant change is that protected urea purchases count as double this year. This change is designed to encourage increased uptake of protected urea, which is very effective at reducing the carbon footprint of milk production. 

Structure

The chairperson drew attention to the new opportunities available within Tirlán’s representative structure.

He said: “The newly created Tirlán Governance Academy is aimed at building knowledge, increasing confidence and creating social connection at all levels of the membership structure.”

The benefit of gender diversity was also recognised at the meetings.

“The co-op is taking steps to become a more diverse and inclusive organisation,” he stated.

The changes approved at the special general meeting (SGM) in October 2023 will result in the creation of three new designated seats for females on all regional committees and one new seat per region on council.

The chairperson encouraged anyone interested in taking part to put their names forward.

He also said: “Tirlán’s future success will be defined by the co-op’s young farmers so we are establishing Young Farmer Groups across the Tirlán catchment area.

“These groups aim to build a two-way communication channel between young farmers and their co-op.”

To hear more about these exciting opportunities, click here.

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