Dairy development project launched

DAIRYGOLD CO-OP, the country’s largest farmer-owned milk processor, yesterday announced a €500,000 investment in a three year on-farm dairy development programme in association with Teagasc.

The programme seeks to identify and implement better farming practices specifically designed for Dairygold’s 3,500 milk suppliers and ensure that those practices are effectively communicated across the co-op’s entire supplier base.

Chief executive Jerry Henchy, speaking at the launch of the programme at Ballyhooly, Co Cork, said the ultimate objective is to improve the efficiency and profitability of both the co-op and all its milk suppliers.

Fourteen monitor farms will act as demonstration units for the latest husbandry practices in milk production from the Teagasc dairy research centre at Moorepark.

The objective of the programme is to enhance dairy farm profitability and ensure Dairygold’s milk supplies will meet the co-op’s particular product requirements from milk solid and supply pattern points of view.

Performance of these farms will be monitored and recorded with the information on successful practices channelled to all Dairygold suppliers to improve their operations and maximise income.

Mr Henchy said the programme would also see a major expansion of farmer discussion group activities.

Stressing that the proposed expansion of the discussion groups would be important, Dairygold chairman John Walsh urged all suppliers who are committed to improving their farming operations to consider joining one.