The dairy co-ops have made their 5-5-5 Income Stability Tool one of their main general election demands.

Glanbia Ingredients Ireland is to invest €35m to double peak capacity at its Wexford Cheese plant, with domestic milk output at a record high.

Europe needs to develop a functioning dairy futures market, to allow farmers, or co-ops on their behalf, to hedge their position in the market, said ICOS president Martin Keane.

The agreement of a new Milk Transfer Protocol by the dairy co-operative members of ICOS provides clarity and certainty around milk transfer for the small proportion of milk producers nationally who are not already in Milk Supply Agreements.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the iconic JB Keane play, The Field. This classic drama is still compelling for all of us, even as it enters its sixth decade.