Galway dairymen receive quality awards

A group of Galway dairymen have been presented with awards for the quality of milk they produce.

Improving technical efficiencies can bring around a transformative change of up to 500% in profitability on dairy farms post quota, a leading expert informed the Arrabawn Co-op milk quality awards ceremony.

The Animal Health Ireland CellCheck Milking Quality awards were presented to 44 Arrabawn suppliers, including 17 from Galway.

Teagasc research officer specialising in dairy cow nutrition, Joe Patton said efficiencies ahead of increased production is what will drive profits post quota.

The Galway winners were: Kieran Kelly, Kilaltenagh, via Banagher; Sean Larkin, Corr, Killimor, Ballinasloe; Seamus Murphy, Claremadden, Kiltormer, Ballinasloe; Joe Hayes, Kiltormer, Ballinasloe; Cunniffe Farms, Thornfort, Killimor, Ballinasloe; John Kelly, Ballyboggan, Kilconnell, Ballinasloe; Joseph Gohery, Ballinakill, Eyrecourt; Gerard Forde, Corrandulla Cross; Denis and Kevin Conroy, Deerpark, Ballycrissane, Ballinasloe; Noel Flaherty, Ballaskeagh, Monivea; Michael Walsh, Knockroe, Dunmore, Tuam; Sean Fahy, Colemanstown, Ballinasloe; Aidan Treacy, Lissanacody, Eyrecourt, Ballinasloe; Hugh Thomas Kelly, Ederney House, Lisheen Kyle, Athenry; Thomas Mahon, Geeha North, Kinvara; John Fox, Ballincregg, Oranmore; Martin Coffey, Ballinlough, Athenry.

Addressing the 100 strong attendance prior to the awards presentation, Mr. Patton made clear the opportunity for technically efficient dairy farmers to drive profits in the post-quota era.

Using an example of a 109 cow herd, Mr. Patton revealed that low efficiency levels would see surplus cash margins of only €90 per cow generated per year, but by enhancing technical performance this could be driven up to €480 per cow- a 500% plus increase.

“For farmers who want to achieve this, it’s primarily about cost base. If they want to get on board with dairy expansion, they have to be looking at their cost base,” he said.

“For the average producer at average efficiencies, even by ramping up yield, there isn’t a whole lot of opportunity to drive profits. It’s the guys at the top 10% of efficiencies who will drive forward.”