Fine-Tuning Irish Dairy

A radical assessment of the future of Irish milk production.

A special dairy conference on the 8th of June addresses the major issues facing Irish milk production. From production to processing to consumer markets, the conference engages with industry leaders to provide guidance on future prospects for our milk producers. A radical departure is required in cow breeding to meet productivity, efficiency and animal welfare demands. Breeders, financiers and researchers will provide advice for farmers. Will climate change bring drier summers, wetter winters, higher production costs and greater pressures on our grazing system? The conference looks at potential management changes to prepare for increased human, animal and weather stresses. The Radisson Little Island in Cork is the venue for an engaging and radical appraisal of Irish dairy.

SCHEDULE

9:00am Registration

Breakfast Sandwich with Tea and Coffee

10.00am Welcoming Address

Marguerite Brosnan, CEO, AXA Ireland

10.10am Opening Address

Billy Kelleher, MEP for Ireland South

10.20am The Right Cow for the Future

Moderator Matt O’Keeffe

Karina Pierce, Professor of Dairy Production, UCD

Victor O’Sullivan, Dairy Farmer

Eoin Lowry, Head of Agriculture, Bank of Ireland 

11.15am Machinery Technology 

Moderator Bernie Commins

Noel Dunne, Machinery Editor, Irish Farmers Monthly

Christy Doherty, Head of Farm, AXA Ireland

Michael Farrelly, CEO, FTMTA

11:50am Coping with Reduced Stocking Rates, Animal Welfare and Nitrates Restrictions

Moderator Miriam Atkins

TJ Flanagan, CEO, ICOS

Joe Deane, Dairy Farmer

Zoë Kavanagh, CEO, NDC and Spokesperson for the European Milk Forum in Ireland

12.45pm BBQ Lunch

2.00pm Challenges and Opportunities for the Irish Dairy Industry

Moderator Matt O’Keeffe

David Kennedy, Head of Dairy, Bord Bia

Mike Magan, Dairy farmer 

Denis Drennan, Deputy President, ICMSA

3.00pm Irish Dairy’s Social Licence to Produce and Consume

Moderator Miriam Atkins

Zoë Kavanagh, CEO, NDC and Spokesperson for the European Milk Forum in Ireland

3.45pm Break

4:00pm Accommodating Climate change on commercial dairy farms

Moderator Matt O’Keeffe

Dr Frank O’Mara, Director Teagasc

Thomas Duffy, Vice President, European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA)

Brian Rushe, Deputy President, IFA

Denis Drennan, Deputy President, ICMSA

5:00pm Conference Closes