Confidence in dairy industry rising

A VIABLE and expanding dairy industry is only possible if it is also profitable for farmers, Irish Farmers Association president Padraig Walshe said yesterday.

Mr Walshe said confidence in the dairy industry was rising. Price prospects were never better and the long-term outlook was very positive.

“Milk prices will remain strong for at least the next three years, which is as far as anyone can safely predict. Strong global demand, lower production levels and virtually non-existent stocks have completely changed the outlook for dairy products,” he said Mr Walshe said co-op management and boards of directors must come out of denial and be honest. Dairy markets are at an all time high. They are going to remain strong and these market increases must be paid back to farmers.