The families behind Ireland’s high-performing dairy industry had their day in the sun at the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards presentation.

Almost one-in-three farmers admitted they have struggled to pay household bills in the past year, while there has also been a considerable increase in the number of those who said their level of farm debt was too high.

A sustained multi-faceted campaign is needed to change the view of dairy farming from one of long hours, physically demanding work, and poor pay, to that of a modern, high-tech industry.

The shortage of qualified farm workers is a concern for the industry’s future, according to the boss of the largest farmer-owned co-operative in the Republic.

UK farmers might move production abroad, while others could give up if they cannot hire the staff, an industry representative has said.