Nitrates, milk prices and TB top of the agenda at this year’s National Dairy Show
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin chats with stall holders at the National Dairy Show. Picture: Maria Kelly
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has told dairy farmers that his government will continue to press the European Commission on the future of Ireland’s nitrates derogation as one of its “key priorities.”
It comes just days after Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon announced that European Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall has accepted his invitation to visit Ireland to see first-hand the work being carried out by farmers to protect water quality.
At the ringside, at the National Dairy Show, which takes place in Millstreet, Cork, this weekend, the commentator quipped that it was probably the first time the Taoiseach had been asked to “prick his ears” in a photograph, as he paused for a picture alongside one of this year’s cattle entries.
In his address, as he officially opened the event, Mr Martin said Ireland was in a “prime position” to meet the growing nutritional needs of the world.
“We have to do it in a sustainable way,” he said. “We are renowned for our work on bovine genetics and technology — and we have the capacity to deliver.
“We know the nitrates derogation is a key priority for Ireland. Our grass-based livestock production systems are a cornerstone of vital agri-food export markets that we have developed. We will continue to work with the Commission to get the best outcome for Ireland that we can into the future,” he said.
Laurence Feeney, Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) chief executive, said the 2025 show had got off to a strong start.
“It’s been a really strong year. We have had an excellent entry of cattle — numbers are up on previous years and the standard of showmanship has been very high. There are also more trade stands this year, and we are back in the main arena again, so we have a bit more space.
“Dairy farmers are generally in good spirits. The milk price has been strong but has started to fall, so there is some concern around that — but overall, the mood is very good.”
As the premier gathering for the dairy industry, the show is more than just a showcase of top-quality dairy cattle, hosting Ireland’s largest specialised dairy trade exhibition, featuring leading exhibitors in fields such as AI, animal health, breeding, dairy agritech, milking equipment, robotics, livestock machinery, finance, dairy services, nutrition, soil and land management.
For many dairy farmers, the show represents a rare day away from the farm. While milk prices and the nitrates derogation dominated much of the discussion this year, the recent TB Action Plan was another key talking point among farmers.
“I think most people, and certainly we, would be happy to see new proposals coming in and a bit of ambition to do something about it,” Mr Feeney said.
“But there is nuance in that, in that some proposals could hinder farmers whose herds have recently broken down with TB - often through no fault of their own," he added.
John Wallis, members relation officer at the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, which represents Ireland’s 18,000 dairy farmers, said the biggest talking point among those visiting the association’s stand at the show was the recent significant cuts to milk prices.
“They are concerned for their business future,” Mr Wallis said. “We’ve had a 3c drop from Lakeland Dairies yesterday, following on from a drop last month in the milk price, and that’s having a huge financial impact on the price that they are getting for their product.
“At the same time, we are seeing a demonstrable increase to the price of our inputs; fertiliser is dear, feed is dear, getting people in to do work around the yard is dear.
“There is less of a margin to be made so when that volatility happens, that drop in the price is hugely concerning.
While the recent cuts to milk prices might sound very small to the wider public, “It all adds up,” Mr Wallis explains. “If you have a herd that has 100 cows and each cow produces 5,000 litres a year, [losing] 1c/L on one cow is €50 a year. Then on the full herd, it’s €5,000 a year.
“TB is also a huge problem all over the country. The regulation and red tape seems to be growing more and more and it’s becoming a huge concern because so much of their time when they could be out doing their animal husbandry and looking after the land,” Mr Wallis added.
“Another thing that has come up this year more than others is the whole idea of succession and generational renewal. There is a huge concern around that – is the generation going to come in, are they going to do the work? Will they accept the lifestyle that is needed to keep the business going?”
