Exodus in Clare from dairying is alarming

Martin Ryan

More lucrative off farm employment opportunities have led to the dramatic exodus, says Seamus Murphy, chairman of IFA in Co Clare.

He said: “Milk prices have dropped from 105.2p per gallon in 1995 to 95.3p in 2004. Input costs have all increased over the same period. The wages for hired labour have increased by more than 60% over the same period.