FARM FOCUS
Issue 89 – January 2025
2024 proved a year of two halves. There were challenges aplenty in the first half of the year, with both weather on farm hampering supply and global uncertainty causing disruption in the commodity markets. Yet, as we moved through the year global commodity markets and farm-gate prices lifted to deliver improved margins and a positive end to the year.
It is always difficult to provide guidance on the milk price beyond a three to four month period, as there are so many variables that impact global markets. However, signals are good and I would remain optimistic, certainly for the early period of 2025.
As the new year progresses, however, solid demand will be required to counterbalance a growth in milk supply which is likely to be stimulated by increased on-farm profitability across many of the key milk producing regions.
Overall milk supplies recovered to finish the year around 1.5% back on 2023 levels. This reflects a very considerable improvement on the expectation at the outset of the year. It was assisted by favourable grass growing conditions over the late summer and autumn months, a strong focus on delivering a progressive milk price to our suppliers and boosted by discounted dairy feed pricing.
After a very difficult start to the year for grain growers, the harvest proved favourable and Tirlán has continued to deliver a strong supportive grain price to growers.
Driving efficiency
There was a strong focus on driving efficiency across the year. A major cost reduction programme was undertaken across Tirlán in 2024 to ensure the operating model and cost base is aligned with the reality of the market, our competitive set and the environment in which we are operating. This cost reduction programme resulted in a reduction in
2024 - A YEAR OF TWO HALVES
employee numbers across a wide range of operating areas, along with restructuring of management teams.
New products for new markets
As we move into 2025, our key priority remains on adding value to every litre of milk and tonne of grain to ensure we deliver the best possible milk and grain prices for our Members.
Global demand for milk and grain is growing, with consumer trends pointing to increased requirements for protein in key growing markets and those with aged populations. In tandem, our teams have been working hard on your behalf to innovate, win new customers and maximise returns from the marketplace. This effort will continue in the years ahead as we maximise the opportunity presented by our highly invested Innovation Centre at Ballyragget and our associated skilled workforce.
Earlier this year, we welcomed the first batches of continental cheese off the production lines at our Kilkenny Cheese facility in Belview. The new facility provides us with new products for new markets via our joint venture partner Royal A-ware, and, most importantly, it also provides us with processing capacity at peak to target the highest returns from the marketplace.
Nitrates Derogation
We have also continued to advocate on your behalf, with a clear focus on informing and ensuring our political leadership remain focused on the importance of securing the Nitrates Derogation for rural Ireland.
It is crucial that we all continue to enhance and maintain water quality all across our catchment area to give Ireland the best possible case for retention.
We have seen increased Tirlán applications under the Farming for Water EIP funding. Anyone interested should contact their local Sustainability & ASSAP advisor.
Open Days
We were delighted to see so many of you attend our Ballyragget Open days, with great
discussion and interest in all of the teams working hard on your behalf to produce and bring our products to the global customers. Next year, we are planning on hosting an open day in another one of our facilities for suppliers within that region.
SGM
Members also voted overwhelmingly in favour of a proposal to change the rules of the Society to give more flexibility to manage financial investments on behalf of Members.
Tirlán is a financially strong organisation and this equips the co-op to build greater resilience and to target the best possible returns for all Members, with a spin-out to Members due in early 2025.
Progress on enhancing our Representative Structure is continuing, with a number of designated seats filled and our first Youth Group meeting taking place in 2024.
Tirlán Milk Quality and Sustainability Awards
Dairy remains a rewarding profession, with increasing demand for milk and proteins across the globe.
At the heart of this is the high quality of our milk, and we want to take this opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of our suppliers, with our first Tirlán Milk Quality and Sustainability Awards due to take place after the spring.
Please consider nominating yourself or a fellow farmer for an award when the applications open in January.
Thank you on behalf of our management team for your continued support over the past year.
Wishing you and your family all the best for 2025,
Seán
Seán Molloy CEO, Tirlán
Seán Molloy, CEO
Tirlán shareholders vote resoundingly for rule change to give more flexibility to manage investments
Tirlán Co-op shareholders have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a proposal to change the rules of the Society to give more flexibility to manage its financial investments on behalf of Members. The result was in excess of 80% in favour of the proposal.
Following the vote, the rules will change to allow the Board of the Coop greater flexibility in managing its investment in Glanbia plc. Tirlán Co-op holds a 28.9% shareholding in Glanbia plc, which was valued at more than €1.1 billion at the time of the vote.
The positive vote will facilitate the release of approximately €222 million of value to Members through a spin-out of 15 million Glanbia plc shares, which will take place as early as possible in 2025.
Commenting after the result was announced, John Murphy, Chairperson of Tirlán Co-op, said: “This is a transformational outcome for our Co-op. This positive vote will provide our ambitious Co-op with greater flexibility to better manage our financial investments. The core aim of the resolution is to drive farm family income, secure the future for this generation and, equally importantly, ensure we have a strong Co-op for the next generation.
“Tirlán Co-op has constantly evolved for over 100 years and today stands as a financially strong, innovative co-operative whose awardwinning brands and ingredient solutions are enjoyed by consumers in 100 countries across the world. The strength of our Co-op today is a
direct consequence of the decisions taken and support provided to the Tirlán Board over the years. The decision taken here today is another step change for our co-operative in its evolution.”
Speaking about the results, Tirlán CEO, Seán Molloy, said: “This vote allows the Board of Tirlán Co-op the flexibility to manage its financial investments through our best-in-class investment governance structure and our committed and capable workforce.
“It will equip us to build greater resilience and empower our Co-op to target the best possible returns for all Members. Tirlán Co-op continues to remain a steadfast supporter of Glanbia plc and today’s decision will allow us more flexibility to manage our financial assets over the longer term for the benefit of our Members.”
Tirlán Co-op will transfer, via share spin-out, 15 million Glanbia plc shares to all existing Members of the Society. Based on Glanbia plc’s closing share price of €14.86 on 4 October 2024, this would be worth approximately €222 million to Members.
John Murphy said: “This year, in particular, has been a difficult year on farms and it is important for our Co-op to support our farmers through challenging times. This spin-out will distribute a portion of the wealth of the Co-op to all our Members in 2025. It will take our total spin-outs to close to €1 billion over the past 12 years. That is an extraordinary transfer of wealth to our farm families.”
MARKETS UPDATE
By Paula O’Dwyer, Senior Business Intelligence Manager Tirlán
EU butter prices continue to be volatile and remain a key influence on global fundamentals
Volatility in European butter prices continues to be the dominant feature in dairy markets, with European butter prices hitting record high levels in September 2024. This was driven by lower milk volumes, fat content and strong cream prices.
Prices have firmed at recent Global Dairy Trade (GDT) events, supported by improved Chinese purchases.
Milk production across the major exporters was constrained during 2024. But recent performance is a little better than expected, despite the challenges of Blue Tongue virus in North West Europe and avian flu in US.
Production in New Zealand has been performing very well, supported by favourable weather. While there are challenges to milk production, stronger margins and an easier year-over-year should keep production across the major exporters above year ago levels over the coming months.
dairy
demand continues
be
China domestic milk production is easing as milk prices remain weak but reports are that there is still plenty of domestically produced WMP available while imported WMP has become tighter.
Geopolitical risks remain high with risks of escalating wars and recent US election. President-elect Trump has proposed a baseline 10-20% global import tariff and 60% or higher tariff on Chinese imports, which increase the threat of trade wars and disruption to trade flows.
The macro factors for consumers are improving. Inflation is falling and interest rates are reducing. But improved spending is not yet evident. A watch-out is the scale of consumer responses to elevated cheese and butter prices when retail prices fully reflect wholesale prices.
EU cheddar and butter markets are expected to remain robust, supported by tight availability. SMP is flat to slightly firmer on continuing quiet end-user demand. Protein markets remain steady.
Global
imports have performed well throughout 2024. Though, Chinese import
to
weak.
Pictured at the SGM were Tirlán’s Frank Tobin, Seán Molloy, John Murphy, Gordon Murphy and Michael Horan.
Final Call for Farm Family Suppliers to declare their Sustainable Actions for 2025 Action Payment
This is the final call for farm family suppliers to declare their sustainable actions as part of the 2025 Sustainability Action Payment. As the year nears to a close, time is running out for the final farm family suppliers to lock in their 0.5cpl (including VAT) action payment for 2025.
To avoid the disappointment of missing out on the 0.5 cent per litre (including VAT) action payment in 2025, all farm family suppliers should ensure that they have logged their sustainable actions on Tirlán FarmLife as part of the Sustainability Action Payment.
Please note, suppliers who don’t declare their chosen actions as part of The Sustainability Action Payment this year, will not receive their 0.5 cent per litre (including VAT) sustainability payment in 2025.
Tirlán supporting Wexford GAA Post Primary Schools Programme
Tirlán is proud to announce its sponsorship of the Wexford GAA Post Primary Schools Programme.
The new partnership aims to support athletic performance and development across nine schools in the region, benefiting over 5,000 students annually. The sponsorship supports a comprehensive programme that focuses on Athletic Development and First and Second Year Competitions.
A major component of the programme is functional movement screening/testing, where first-year students will undergo regular assessments three times a year.
In addition, weekly coaching sessions will be provided to players from Senior Colleges A and B competitions. These students will receive tailored training programmes from strength and conditioning coaches, allowing for both individual skill development and team-focused progress.
Wexford GAA Chairman, Micheál Martin welcomed Tirlán’s support of the programme. “Our Integrated Athletic Development Programme has been a tremendous success since its inception two years ago. It centres around putting the welfare and development of young players at the core of our activities. The support of Tirlán will help us further develop the programme, to support students, further upskill teachers, and assist post primary schools with gym facility upgrades in participating schools. This initiative will involve assisting schools
Milk suppliers are asked to click on the ‘My Farm’ section on Tirlán FarmLife and declare their sustainability actions now, to continue to receive their Sustainability Action Payment in 2025.
To continue to receive the Sustainability Action Payment in 2025, Republic of Ireland suppliers are requested to log on to the “My Farm” section on Tirlán FarmLife and declare 7 of the 20 sustainability actions undertaken.
SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PAYMENT
in upgrading their gym equipment, so that students have access to modern, well-equipped training facilities that foster their athletic growth.
Tirlán chairman, John Murphy commented: "We are delighted to partner with Wexford GAA supporting the next generation of athletes. Growing up and living in Wexford, I’ve seen first-hand the huge impact of the GAA as a positive force in our community. Tirlán, being fully farmer-owned, is committed to strengthening the communities we serve. This new programme underscores Tirlán’s commitment to Wexford – not only as a region rich in agriculture but as a community. Tirlán has a long-standing connection with Wexford, and we are proud to support sport in the local community."
Pictured at the Sustainability Action Payment launch in Aglish, Cappoquin, Waterford were Tirlán Chairperson, John Murphy; Future Farmer Steven Fitzgerald; Thomas Ryan, Tirlán and Steven’s children Ólan, Donagh and Aodhán.
Pictured at Gorey Community College are Jackie Tyrrell, Tirlán; John Murphy, Chairperson of Tirlán; Kian Steadmond, Gorey Community College; Vincent Higgins, Creagh College; Kate Ná Luasaigh, Gorey Community College; Jamie Kennedy, Creagh College; Micheál Martin Wexford GAA Chairperson and Declan Browne, Director of Athletic Development.
What is the River Slaney Project & how does it work?
Protecting water quality and retaining Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation
Good water quality is essential for all parts of our economy: for homes and businesses, for industry, tourism and hospitality. Tirlán Co-op supports 19,200 jobs across rural Ireland with economic activity of €5.5 billion.
Enhancing water quality and the retention of the Nitrates Derogation are stand-out policy issues for our farm family suppliers. Two thirds of our suppliers farm above the non-derogation stocking rate limit of 170 kg N/ha. In addition, over half of Tirlán milk suppliers have an average herd size of 60 cows.
We have a short window within which Ireland can show how intensive, science-led collaboration can contribute to addressing water quality challenges in critical areas, to help make the best case for retention of the Derogation post 2026.
To deliver on this intensive, ground-up collaboration, Tirlán’s Farming for Water: River Slaney Project was established, bringing together expertise from Teagasc, the Local Authorities Water Programme (LAWPRO) and accounting and advisory specialists, ifac, to help enhance water quality in the River Slaney which flows through the heart of the Tirlán catchment area. This programme is targetted at delivering real practical change on the ground, as it requires everyone working together to maintain and enhance water quality.”
It is possible to farm at the current 220kg of organic nitrogen (n) per hectare (n/ha) and deliver good water quality
“Retention of the Nitrates Derogation is crucially important for Ireland’s grass based family farming dairy model. Our dairy farmers need certainty and clarity regarding the future of Ireland’s nitrates derogation. I would like to commend the amount of work that our farmer families are doing in contributing to the River Slaney Project from across the catchment.”
Seán
“If we all do one small thing to improve water quality, it will be work very well done and support retaining the Nitrates Derogation,” Tirlán supplier, Martin Davin.
a fourth generation family
Rathdowney in county Laois is doing everything possible to improve on-farm economic and environmental performance. He’s already invested in a locally manufactured yard brush under the Farming for Water EIP. Addressing neighbouring farmers at a ‘Farming for the Future: Open Farm Walk & Talk ‘on his farm, Martin encouraged any supplier who has not yet engaged with the Farming for Water or the ASSAP teams to do so and begin the free and confidential on-farm investment and grant application process.
“I’d encourage every single farmer to engage with the team at Tirlán. If we can all do one small thing to improve water quality, it will be work very well done and support retaining the Nitrates Derogation All of the small little things matter – keeping out the slurry, fencing off watercourses, investing in machinery like I did. I’m farming under the requirements of the nitrates derogation. If we lose it, I’ll have to review my farm and this will impact my costs.”
At the event, Tirlán’s Sean Martin and Bryan Harte addressed Nitrogen Management and Milk Solids Tracking on the Davin farm, describing it as very efficient in both areas.
Rise in Number of Tirlán Suppliers Accessing EIP Funding
Tirlán is extending the work underway in the Farming for Water: River Slaney Project to reach all of our farm family suppliers across our entire catchment. Our Farm Support Service team has already experienced very strong engagement across Wicklow, Carlow and Wexford, with [XX] farm visits completed up to October 2024.
Nearly 100 Tirlán suppliers have applied for funding under the Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP) to help drive water quality improvements on farm. All Tirlán suppliers are being encouraged to review water quality measures on their farm as part of an overall focus to improve water quality and put the best case forward for retaining Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation. Farmer training, rain water management plans and nitrogen balance are the most popular measures for funding applications within the Tirlán catchment to date.
Over 300 farmers attended the Tirlán and Teagasc ‘Farming for the Future’ water quality event on the farm of Donal Kavanagh, near Baltinglass, Co Wicklow. The event offered farmers action-focused advice and showed the significant efforts that farmers are undertaking to stabilise and improve water quality in their region.
Farm Support Service on The Poole Farm
If we all do One Small Thing to Improve Water Quality
Tirlán supplier Martin Davin,
farmer near
In August, we welcomed Ireland’s MEPs to a meeting in our Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny plant. Pictured L-R Billy Kelleher (FF/Renew Europe), Nina Carberry (FG/EPP), Tirlán CEO Seán Molloy, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF/Renew Europe), Tirlán Chairperson John Murphy, Barry Cowen (FF/Renew Europe), Kathleen Funchion (SF/The Left) and Michael McNamara (Ind/Renew Europe).
Pictured on the Poole family farm for the EU’s Environment Directorate to Ireland visit were Tirlán suppliers, Alan and Cheryl Poole, along with Dr Lisa Koep, Chief ESG Officer, Tirlán; Gorka Barrio Montoya, EU Commission; John Murphy, Tirlán.
Molloy, Chief Executive Officer Tirlán
Pictured on the Davin family farm are Tirlán’s Bryan Harte with Tirlán supplier Martin Davin and Tirlán’s Farm Sustainability Advisors Roisin McManus, Aidan O’Donovan and Sean Martyn.
AHI CalfCare
In preparation of the 2025 calving season we caught up with Tirlán suppliers John, Patricia and Rory McEvoy on their farm in Clonaheen, co. Laois. With 240 calves expected to be born in this compact spring calving herd, everyone involved understands the importance of caring for both cow and calf. The father – son team share the day-to-day duties on this dairy enterprise. John’s main focus is on the adult herd and Rory takes responsibility for looking after the calf rearing. The herd is participating in the National Genotyping Programme and breeding decisions are based on productivity and EBI, with a strong emphasis on the Health sub-index. All dairy replacements are AI bred from the most productive cows in the herd, having dipped the toe in using sexed semen for the first time in 2024. Increasing the Commercial Beef Value (CBV) drives the breeding decisions for those cows not producing replacement heifers. This allows John and Rory to supply a strong Hereford-cross dairy beef calf into Tirlán’s Twenty20 Beef Club. According to John and Rory, the value of dry cow nutrition and mineral balance cannot be overstated in preparation for a successful calving season and start of lactation. Being located in an area known for iodine deficiency in the soil and forages, pregnant cows and heifers are supplemented with ad-lib iodine salt licks in addition to GAIN Pre-Calver Gold throughout the dry period. The value of appropriate mineral supplementation during the final stages of pregnancy is visible on the farm as soon as the cows calve, cows get going straight away and the calves are lively with great vigour from birth.
Cows are milked as soon as they calve and the colostrum is bottle-fed to each calf following the 1-2-3 best practice colostrum guidelines. Unless calves need special attention, they are placed in small groups of 5 and fed transition milk for a few days. A purpose built calf house is used to house all heifer and bull calves. Plenty of fresh straw is used as bedding on top of a layer of woodchip. Rory is delighted with the automatic feeders used for the heifers, with 20 calves per station fed GAIN Easi-Mix. The bulls in the other half of the calf house are reared using milk bars, making the labour saving from the automatic feeders very tangible.
In the past, calf scour has been a concern on the farm and Rory has found that controlling Coccidiosis during the calving season and using GAIN RumenCare Calf Nut as soon as the calves start venturing outside onto the paddock makes all the difference.
If you want further insights in the latest in optimal calf care in preparation of the 2025 spring calving season, attend one of the AHI CalfCare events taking place in the Tirlán area throughout January.
AHI CALF CARE EVENTS
Monday 6th Jan
Thursday 9th Jan
Tirlán Governance Academy certificate programme commences
Buying Animals: Check the TB history of animals before buying. Only buy from herds without a TB breakdown in recent years
Breeding: Use AI bulls with higher levels of TB resistance. ICBF provides TB scores for bulls using a traffic light system. See more at www.icbf.com
Badgers: Identify and fence off badger setts to stop cattle getting access to contaminated areas around setts. Tell the Department about badger activity on your farm by using the QR code below
Monday 13th Jan
The Certificate in Co-op Governance and Professional Development is now up and running as part of the Tirlán Governance Academy and 21 participants from various levels of Tirlán’s representative structure are involved.
Developed with University College Cork (UCC) and supported by ICOS, the educational programme is designed to develop the essential governance knowledge and professional skills required for future leaders within Tirlán.
Participants in the certificate course will benefit from a blend of academic learning and practical application, designed specifically for the co-op and agri-food sectors.
The programme is structured to provide a deep dive into the principles of co-op governance and professional development.
Tuesday 14th Jan
Friday 17th Jan
Over the course of two semesters, participants will engage in a combination of in-person workshops, online sessions, and autonomous learning.
The course is designed to be flexible and to fit around the busy schedules of our members. Delivered over four 2-3 day blocks, the workshops are carefully scheduled to avoid peak farming periods and also features online learning.
Richie Long, Ballymacarbry, Co Waterford
Frank Kennedy, Gorey, Co Wexford
Jimmy and Kieran Cummins, Thurles, Co. Tipperary
Sean & Eamonn Roche, Longwood, Co. Meath
John Comerford, Borris-in-Ossory, Co. Laois
Notify the Department of badger activity on your farm.
MILK SOLIDS TRACKER NOW AVAILABLE ON TIRLÁN FARMLIFE
Tirlán's Milk Solids Tracker, a unique online tool designed to help improve milk solids production per cow, is now available on Tirlanfarmlife.com. This innovative tool was unveiled at the Supplier Open Day in Ballyragget in September and is popular among suppliers.
The Milk Solids Tracker helps suppliers identify areas where milk solids production can be improved and highlights when milk solids production is below expected levels. The Milk Solids Tracker provides live, farm-specific milk solids data, enabling suppliers to track performance and see how milk solids production per cow is trending compared to the previous year's performance. This real-time information is crucial for making informed decisions and enhancing farm management practices.
One of the key features of the Milk Solids Tracker is its ability to allow suppliers to set targets and monitor their current performance against these goals. The traffic light system makes it easy to see if you are on track to meet your targets, with green indicating that targets are being met, yellow suggesting that performance is close to target, and red highlighting areas where targets are not being met and management practices may need to change.
The benefits of using the Milk Solids Tracker are numerous:
Live timely information
Access real-time data to make informed decisions.
Farm specific data
Tailored insights for each farm to enhance performance.
Increase milk solids output
Boost production efficiency and output.
Improve farm profitability & efficiencies
Getting started with the Milk Solids Tracker is simple. Suppliers can log into the My Account area on Tirlanfarmlife.com and locate the Milk Solids Tracker section under the My Farm tab. Simply enter your cow numbers from the past four years, pick a target and then choose a percentage increase that you would like to aim for in the current lactation. Once completed, the Milk Solids Tracker will be generated and will provide valuable insights into milk solids production.
For more information on the Milk Solids Tracker, contact your Tirlán Business Manager, who can highlight areas of lactation where improvements can be made to help increase milk solids output.
Scan here to set up your Milk Solids Tracker
Increase overall farm profitability through better management practices.
Scan here to understand your Milk Solids Tracker data
DECEMBER MILK QUALITY
By Fionnuala Malone, SCC Programme Manager Tirlán
CellCheck top 500
Congratulations to all the recent AHI DAFM CellCheck Top 500 2023 winners across the country.
The Awards recognise the top 500 suppliers across Ireland with the lowest SCC for 2023. Many of the winners were in attendance at the gala Awards ceremony in the Killashee House Hotel to collect their plaques from the Milk Supply Team.
This year’s Tirlán Champion suppliers were Steven and Catriona Fitzgerald of Graigue Aglish Co. Waterford. No strangers to the winner’s podium, this was their ninth award.
Since 2014, over 890 Tirlán suppliers have received these awards, many farmers having received multiple awards reflecting an ongoing focus on milk quality through the years. For a full list of all winners, visit our Tirlánfarmlife website.
Over 350 suppliers attend Autumn SCC events
The Milk Supply Teams series of 11 Autumn SCC events across the country is now complete and over 350 farmers attend the events which were hosted with local vets and Teagasc and supported by CellCheck.
The focus was on drying off successfully this autumn in preparation for spring 2025. Hot topics were milk recording and culturing and sensitivity testing of milk. As farmers move away from blanket dry cow therapy towards selective treatment, providing support and knowledge transfer in this area is key to help ensure success and underpin milk quality.
Thanks to our host farmers: Merrick Family Farm (Edenderry), Morris family (Borrisokane), Cummins family (Kilmacthomas), Leahy family farm (Woodsgift), Duffy family farm (Villierstown), Reynolds family farm (Navan), Mc Donnell family (Knockbridge), Lynch family (Leamlara).
Thanks to the vets that supported these across the country – Tagdh O’Sullivan (Slieve Bloom Veterinary Limited), Colin McCormac and Niamh Hogan (Summerhill Veterinary Clinic), Ann Harty (Comeragh Veterinary), Monica Malone, Chris Humphreys, (Deise Veterinary Clinic), Eoin Barry (Duntahane Veterinary Clinic), Frank O’Sullivan and Kevin Tomany (Patrick Farrelly & Partners), Paddy McGinn (Carrick Veterinary Centre), Catherine McAloon (University College Dublin), Don Goggin (Moyne Veterinary Clinic), Padraig Harris (Animal Health Centre) and Ronan Kennedy (Moss Veterinary) and our own vet Joris Sommers (Tirlán).
Seasonality & Winter Premium Payments
Seasonality Bonus Payment
This year’s seasonality bonus payment for eligible milk is:
• 5.0 cpl - December 2024;
• 7.0 cpl - January 2025;
• 5.0 cpl - February 2025 (all figures are inclusive of VAT).
Eligibility for the 2024 - 2025 Seasonality Scheme is open to Creamery Milk Suppliers for all milk supplied, and all Autumn Calving Scheme and/ or Liquid Milk suppliers are also eligible for Seasonality premium payment on volumes which are not already subject to their scheme premium payments.
To receive seasonality premiums, milk supplied needs to achieve the following criteria:
• Average SCC < 350,000 cells/ml &
• Average TBC < 50,000 cfu/ml.* &
• ≥4.35% lactose.
Liquid and Autumn Calving Scheme bonus
As per previous years, payment of the Liquid & ACS premium is conditional on meeting the following milk quality criteria in the month:
• Average SCC < 350,000 cells/ml &
• Average TBC test results < 50,000 cfu* &
• Average Lactose greater than 4.4%.
Please contact your Milk Supply Manager if you have any query in relation to these quality criteria or your monthly contracted volumes.
*Note that where an individual milk collection has a TBC result greater than 1,000,000 cfu/ml - no premiums will be paid on these collection volumes.
Thanks to the Teagasc team also – John Mahon, John Conroy, Paul Connors, Eánna Loughrey, Eamonn Lynch, Patrick Moylan, Richie O’Brien, Padraig O’Connor, Joe Patton, Ed Moakley, Kay O’Connell, Pamela McCormack, Martin Doyle, Katie Doyle and Paul Kehoe. Thanks also to the CellCheck team for providing the resources we used throughout these workshops.
Two SCC-specific veterinary consultations are available through CellCheck which are fully funded and we would encourage all farmers to take advantage of these: CellCount Solutions and a Dry Cow Consult.
The cost of each consultation is covered by DAFM through the CellChcek Programme. These are designed to help you navigate away from a reliance on antibiotics at drying off and to improve your on-farm profitability.
It is never too late to start milk recording – contact your Milk Supply Manager to get started with your local milk recording agency. For more information on milk recording scan the code opposite.
Contact Fionnuala Malone SCC Programme Manager or your Milk Supply Manager with any SCC queries.
January Mastitis and SCC Control
Monthly Milk Quality Reminders;
• 2024 DAFM Animal Health Certificates must be returned to ensure milk collection for 2025
• Report all TB failures (Reactors / Inconclusive reactors) to your Milk Supply Manager and exclude their milk from the bulk tank;
• Avoid any antibiotic issues by clearly marking all treated cows and following withdrawal guidelines;
• Review your 2024 SCC. How can you reduce SCC in 2025? Lower SCC will make it easier to milk cows, lead to less dumped milk, lower treatment costs, less production loss and overall will increase profitability per cow and on farm. Contact our team for assistance. Enrol in the CellCheck Cell Count Solutions programme to avail of a free veterinary consultation on farm;
• Change liners after 2,000 milkings or every six months;
• Book your milking machine service and bulk tank service before spring;
• Milk record – if milking through this winter period, milk record to stay on top of identifying any problem cows;
• Carry out milk culturing and sensitivity testing to see what bacteria are causing mastitis and what might be the most effective treatment options. This will help identify how best to control SCC;
• Exclude all high SCC cows from the bulk tank, to avoid penalty issues and address their problems.
Steven Fitzgerald, Cell Check Champion pictured with his family and Fionnuala Malone, Tirlán.
QUANTIFYING HABITATS AND CARBON STORED ON SIGNPOST FARMS
By Dr. Siobhán Kavanagh, Communications & Engagement Specialist Signpost Programme and Sandra Hayes, Coordinator of the Teagasc Tirlán Future Farm Programme
Two of the goals for Signpost farms are to protect and enhance carbon storage and biodiversity on the farm. Biodiversity on the farms is assessed by the quantity and quality of habitats and Carbon is stored on the farm in the soil and in the plants growing on the farm; the biomass.
This project sets out to establish the % biodiversity on the Signpost farms and the carbon stored. In the winters of 2022/2023 and 2023/24 all Teagasc Tirlán Signpost farms were surveyed using drone-mounted cameras and LIDAR. The colour imagery taken by the drone gives a snapshot of the farm land cover and habitats. The LIDAR is a scanning technology the sends out laser pulses and measures the time it takes for the pulse to be reflected from the surface back to the drone (similar to RADAR), allowing a 3D picture of the farm to be built up of millions of points.
Habitats as % of total area
The data collected from the LIDAR points are then interpreted by a geospatial specialist to create a high resolution biodiversity map. There are 45 possible labels with land covers including BUILDINGS, IMPROVED GRASSLAND and CROPS. Habitats include HEATH, SCRUB and WET GRASSLAND. The habitats as a percentage of the total area are calculated and displayed as a bar chart and as a total percentage (this is not the same calculation as space for nature). Values range from 3% of the farm to more than 15%.
These maps provide a baseline for the farmer and advisor. They show the structure of the habitat assets on the farm and help direct discussion about where and how to improve. For example, showing where a short length of new hedgerow could go that would improve the overall connectivity of the farm habitats whilst also helping potentially to reduce run-off into water courses.
Carbon stored
The maps are also used for the calculation of carbon stored in the woody biomass of the farm; hedgerows, woodland, forest, treelines, scrub and solo trees. This is done by calculating the exact volume of a hedgerow and using equations developed in Teagasc to convert that volume into biomass and thus tonnes of carbon.
It is important to think of volume when assessing how much carbon a hedgerow contains not its length. A short, tightly managed hedgerow will contain much less carbon (maybe as little as a 10th) than the same length of a wider, taller hedgerow that has also trees within it. It’s important to note that this is carbon stored over the life of the farm. It is not the carbon sequestered annually by the farm biomass.
Steven Fitzgerald
Steven’s farm was flown by the LIDAR equipment back in 2023. Below is just one example of hedgerows on this farm. In one particular field there are substantial differences in the carbon stored in hedgerows. A tall treelined hedge with considerable biomass contains 13 tonnes of carbon. While on the other side of the field, a very short topped hedge contains less than 1 tonne of carbon. There is substantial opportunity to increase the carbon stored in this hedgerow by the way Steven and all farmers maintain their hedges. Correct management of existing hedges can have a greater capacity to increase carbon than new hedge planting alone.
Steven manages the hedgerow growth on the farm by side trimming and allowing as much as possible for the hedges to mature and gain height as much as possible. Any of the tree-lined hedges are left undisturbed and only dangerous branches are trimmed, if required. Whitethorn and blackthorn hedges are side trimmed when required and allowed have a wide a base as possible and cut into an A shape. As well as being excellent carbon stores these types of hedges are great shelter belts for the grazing livestock on the farm. As the farm is in derogation, Steven has allowed white thorn saplings to grow into mature trees in the hedgerows as well. A hedge should be a wildlife larder for most of the year - providing flowers and fruits for insects, birds and small mammals. As some of the hedges are a mixture of whitethorn, trees and furze it provides a huge variety in structure, density, connectivity and biodiversity to support wildlife on this farm was well as storing carbon.
Second group of family farm suppliers celebrates graduation from the Tirlán & Baileys Sustainable Farming Academy
Eighteen Tirlán farmers have graduated from the Tirlán and Baileys Sustainable Farming Academy. This year’s graduates completed their Diploma in Environment, Sustainability, and Climate from University College Cork (UCC) and followed a year-long programme that equips them with essential skills and knowledge to further enhance sustainable farming practices.
Building on the success of the inaugural group, this second cohort has benefited from a programme that helps farm families implement positive environmental actions while addressing the increasing challenges around sustainability. The Academy is closely aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring a globally relevant approach to sustainability.
The diploma is accredited and fully funded, enabling farmers to balance their studies with full-time farm responsibilities. The third cohort of students began their studies in September 2024, continuing the Academy’s goal of supporting farmers in their sustainability journey.
The program covers a range of important topics, including Earth Science, Climate Change and Sustainable Development, Ecology, Applied Geographical Information Systems, Environmental Protection, and Practical Environmental Management.
Scenes from the Open Days at Ballyragget as suppliers visit the site and see how Tirlán adds value to the milk they produce.
TIRLÁN MILK SUPPLIER OPEN DAYS:
Nearly 2,000 dairy suppliers took part in the Tirlán Milk Supplier Open Days in Ballyragget in September and explored the journey of their milk from farm to market. Through guided tours, panel discussions and interactive exhibits, Tirlán highlighted its commitment to transparency, innovation, and sustainability within the dairy industry.
The Ballyragget facility is the largest integrated dairy processing site in Europe and one of Tirlán's network of high-tech processing sites, with over 1.2 billion litres of milk delivered by our farmers and processed by over 390 employees. The facility has evolved over decades to process and produce over 230 thousand tonnes of finished product, 250 million litres of cream and 1.3 billion litres of whey.
Attendees witnessed firsthand how the milk they supply is transformed into award-winning consumer brands and high-quality dairy ingredients sold globally. Suppliers were also introduced to Tirlán’s Innovation Centre, where new products and processes are continuously developed, driving the Co-op’s competitive edge in international markets.
John Murphy, Chairperson of Tirlán, said: “It was wonderful to have the opportunity to bring so many of our suppliers into our Tirlán facility to follow the milk from their farm gate and out to consumers around the world. I was delighted to see almost 2,000 of our dairy suppliers enjoy meeting with the teams that process and market their high quality raw ingredients to over 95 countries across the globe.”
“There remains a strong demand for dairy right across the world. We continue to innovate through our world-class R&D centre and our talented teams to bring our quality Irish milk and grains to market globally. It was excellent to give our suppliers an insight into our Avonmore Professional range reaching new markets in China, demand for our cheese, butter and our proteins in the marketplace.”
We are proud to feature one of our dairy farmers Ciarán McEntaggert on our Avonmore Fresh Milk and Light Milk cartons. Our farmers provide us with the very best, most nutritious goodness there is; fresh, high-quality milk. Scan to read more:
Tirlán CEO Seán Molloy commented:
Newly-refurbished FarmLife branch in Inch opens
Tirlán has officially opened its newly-refurbished FarmLife branch in Inch, Co. Wexford. It is now bigger and brighter, stocks a wider range of farm supplies, home essentials, animal and pet food and now includes an extended FarmEquip yard which offers a wider selection of farm hardware. The Inch investment is part of the €11 million branch upgrade announced by Tirlán across 12 counties at the beginning of last year.
The branch was officially open with a ribbon cutting by Tirlán Chairperson, John Murphy. He encouraged the local community to continue to support the branch. “Tirlán is 100% farmer-owned and this investment shows we are delivering on our promise to enhance the communities we serve.’
Age Friendly Certification
The Age Friendly Certification programme is a central part of Tirlán’s on-going customer-centric focus and supports the inclusion of the older customer and addressing their needs. It also showcases the value their custom to Tirlán and our mission to ensure they have a good customer experience when visiting any of the Tirlán CountryLife or Tirlán FarmLife stores. The initiative is also a reflection of Tirlán’s commitment to the community's well-being and inclusivity.
Each Tirlán CountryLife and Tirlán FarmLife store has identified an Age Friendly Champion who is available to assist the older person as needed when visiting the store. Over 40 Age Friendly Champions have been trained throughout the year through a number of Age Friendly Workshops run by Age Friendly Ireland.
Following these Workshops each Age Friendly Champion conducted a survey and a walkability audit in their respective store. The survey provided an understanding of the types of initiatives that were required to adapt the store for the Older person. The walkability audit assisted on where improvements could be made with regard to ease of accessibility and display.
Among the improvements identified were designated Age Friendly parking spaces, staff training, designated seat, availability of reading glasses for customers on request, and size of font on instore signage.
At present, nine stores have received Age Friendly Certification:
Inch, Co. Wexford
Monasterevin, Co. Kildare
Athboy, Co. Meath
Raheen, Co. Laois
Campile, Co. Wexford
Ashford, Co. Wicklow
Fethard, Co. Tipperary
Along with the investment, this branch is also now certified as Age Friendly by Age Friendly Ireland. The branch has added a dedicated car parking space for senior customers, new ramp outside and enhancements throughout the store which include increased font size in signage, a seat and reading glasses are available those who might need them during their visit.
Tirlán FarmLife Inch’s Branch Manager, Willie Brennan, said the feedback of the from members of the farming and wider community has been fantastic and looked forward to many more years in the Inch community.
Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny
Bunclody, Co Wexford
Pictured at the official opening of the newly-refurbished Inch branch were Seán Molloy, Tirlán CEO; John Murphy, Tirlán Chairperson; Dr Ailish Byrne, Director of Agribusiness and Branch Manager, Willie Brennan.
(L-R) Olivia Treacy (Tirlán Supplier & Customer Engagement Manager), Willie Brennan (Age Friendly Champion for Tirlán FarmLife Inch branch), Niamh Bolger (Age Friendly Programme Manager, Wexford Co. Council) and Ailish Byrne (Chief Agribusiness Officer)
VETERINARY MEDICINES LEGISLATION UPDATE
By Joris Somers, Animal Health & Hygiene Manager, Tirlán
The Veterinary Medicinal Products Regulations 2024 were signed into law on September 12th. The legislation (SI 462/2024) aims to address antimicrobial and antiparasitic resistance by ensuring prudent use of veterinary medicinal products in food producing animals.
As part of this legislation, DAFM is introducing the mandatory electronic national veterinary prescription system (NVPS). The NVPS will provide greater oversight of prescribing and use of veterinary medicines in food-producing animals as well as create the enhanced ability for farmers to purchase prescription veterinary medicines from the outlet of their choosing.
From January 13th 2025, the use of the NVPS will be mandatory for the prescribing and dispensing of veterinary medicines. The medicines involved are those that currently require a prescription to be dispensed and include antibiotic mastitis tubes, prescription vaccines and injection minerals and vitamins.
Paper prescriptions will no longer be required and farmers will receive an SMS text message and/or email with details of their prescription once this has been processed through the NVPS. This text message or email can then be used to obtain the medicines prescribed from a vet practice, pharmacy, co-op or merchant.
From June 9th 2025, the requirement for a prescription for antiparasitics will commence. This change in status from LM (licensed merchant, ‘over-the-counter’) to POM (Prescription Only Medicine) for antiparasitics was announce over four years ago and brings Ireland in line with the rest of the EU. Products involved include worm and fluke dosing, fly and lice treatments as well as coccidiostats.
As an important supplier of animal health products to our farmers, we are making good progress in aligning our distribution channels with the new legislation and will continue to provide these products moving forward, using the NVPS when required.
ANIMAL CARE PLANNING FOR 2025
By Joris Somers, Animal Health & Hygiene Manager, Tirlán
As 2024 draws to a close, it is a good time to review some key herd health figures for your herd and make a plan for 2025. A comprehensive template to use for this task is included in the Tirlán Milk Supplier Calendar 2025. Completing this template not only fulfils the Bord Bia SDAS requirements for the animal health plan, it also gives you a clear picture of which areas of herd health to focus on and assess the effectiveness of changes made during 2024.
We have seen a continued growth in sexed semen use to breed replacement dairy heifers. Also of significance is a sizeable rise in beef sire AI in our dairy herds which will result in greater beef merit dairy beef calves born in 2025.
These changes in breeding follow how the trend has shifted in terms of the type of calf coming from the dairy herd and the growing appetite for dairy beef calves reared in Ireland, as evidenced by our own award winning Twenty20 Beef Club collaboration with Kepak.
During 2024, Bord Bia has focused strongly on calf management in dairy herds, with the roll-out of a Calf Breeding and Management Plan template to help herds retain SDAS compliance going forward in those instances where the required calf care was deemed substandard. Bord Bia’s emphasis on calf management reflects the consumer’s emotive response to how we look after our animals and provides our grassbased dairy production system the opportunity to continue to show our high level of on-farm animal care.
Get calves off to a good start
Getting calves off on a good start is only half the work and throughout the calving season, attention to detail is required to limit the risk of disease outbreaks. Calf scour and pneumonia are the two biggest concerns during the rearing period and prevention of either of these is much more beneficial from both a labour and financial point of view than treating sick calves.
Where suitable calf housing has been a limiting factor, now is your last chance to put in place upgrades or (temporary) additional calf facilities to improve ventilation or limit shared airspace between different age groups of cattle. Using vaccines, some of which are available for calves only 1 week old, will be your best tool in preventing respiratory disease.
As the calving season progresses and more and more calves are present on farm the levels of diarrhoea causing viruses, bacteria and parasites tend to increase. Improving the ability of the calves to cope with these infectious causes of diarrhoea is down to feeding calves top quality colostrum soon after birth and providing calves with adequate nutrition for growth and development.
Stress caused by tagging, disbudding or castration will lower the capability of the calves’ immune system to fight off infections, as will consistently underfeeding calves and housing calves in humid or draughty sheds.
Fresh Bedding
Calves spend 80% of their time lying down, so the type and depth of bedding used is important. Clear the bedding from individual calf pens between calves to prevent a build-up of contaminated bedding. Ideally, group pens are freshly bedded multiple times per week with pens cleared out weekly or as frequently as possible, and cleaned and disinfected between batches of calves.
To prevent transmission of microbes from older stock to new-borne calves, try to maintain a dedicated person who looks after the calves or use a separate set of wellies and waterproofs when handling calves and provide a disinfectant boot dip at the calf shed entrance. Clean all the milk feeding equipment daily to avoid rapid disease transmission between calves.
When a calf does develop diarrhoea, remember that antibiotics do not work against the parasites and viruses that are the most common causes of calf scour.
Key actions to consider are:
1. to remove the scouring calf from the group to prevent further contamination of the environment and disease spreading to other calves in the pen;
2. to provide the calf with additional feeds of an electrolyte solution by bottle or through a stomach tube to replace lost fluids and minerals;
3. to continue to feed milk or milk replacer which contain the energy and nutrients needed to recover from the episode of scour. Keeping calves on milk while they are scouring will not worsen or prolong diarrhoea and can aid in recovery. Milk withdrawal can lead to loss of condition, therefore, maintain the normal feeding regime. When a calf is down, not able to drink independently or their eyeballs are sunken, additional veterinary treatments will be required to help the calf recover.
Taking all this into account, a dedicated ‘hospital pen’, away from the healthy calves not only limits the spread of disease, it also facilitates control, handling and management of the sick calf. Avoid having to create this space in a rush by setting up this area before problems arise. This will allow you to continue operating normal calf husbandry in the main calf house.
For more information on managing calf health during the pre-weaning period, consult the Tirlán Dairy Calf Management Guidelines.
Tour de Tirlán cycle raises €75,000 for worthy causes
Over 60 cyclists from Tirlán got on their bikes recently and have raise over €75,000 for charity.
The annual 'Tour de Tirlán' has evolved over the past 11 years and leads cyclists, including Tirlán employees and farmersuppliers, on one of four distances - 45km, 95km, 136km, and 201km.
Since its inception, the total funds raised from this annual event to date stands at €401,000.
Jim O’Neill, Chief Operating & Consumer Officer at Tirlán and Cycle spokesperson, said: “Our four chosen charities this year include our charity partner, the mental health support organisation Aware, and local charities Simon South East Community, Cois Nore and Aiseiri. All carry out incredible work in our communities and are very deserving causes.
“Giving back to our communities is a core piece of our Living Proof sustainability strategy and we’re proud of our efforts to date.”
Tirlán Mountain Challenge 2024 raises over €36,000 for Aware
The Tirlán Mountain Challenge 2024 was a resounding success with over 50 dedicated employees scaling the majestic Maumturks on Friday, October 11th, and hiking from Kylemore Abbey to Lettergesh Beach on Saturday, October 12th.
Participants embarked on this challenge with a shared goal: to support our charity partner, Aware. Over the two days, they completed more than 26km and climbed over 1,800 metres.
Lisa Koep, Chief ESG Officer at Tirlán, added: “We are exceptionally proud of the collective effort everyone has made to take part in this event, to raise funds and to support our work colleagues, family members or people in our community who might need help and support and the expert help offered by Aware now or into the future. This was a very special weekend and congratulations and well done to everyone who played their part.”
Dominic Layden, CEO of Aware, and Stephen Butterly, Head of Fundraising and Business Development at Aware, joined the climbers over the weekend. Commenting on the event, Stephen said: “The Tirlán Mountain Challenge is a testament to the power of community and the importance of supporting mental health initiatives. The funds raised will go a long way in helping Aware continue its vital work in providing support, education, and information services to individuals and families affected by depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood-related conditions.”
Tirlán Unearth Your Future Graduate Programme
Sixteen new graduates are beginning their working career at Tirlán. The enthusiastic group were recruited under the Tirlán ‘Unearth Your Future’ Graduate Programme which opens each year in autumn with the graduates starting in September.
The Tirlán Graduate Programme is designed to take the graduates through a series of real-world learning experiences, helping build confidence in their abilities, and flourish in their careers. By providing personalised training, Tirlán empowers graduates to develop the confidence, skills and expertise to excel in their careers.
Tirlán follows the 70:20:10 development model. This includes 70% on-the-job training, 20% networking, coaching and mentoring opportunities and 10% formal training. Graduates enjoy two different rotations during the tenure to deliver different learning and exposure opportunities.
The Graduates are working across seven different sites in ten functions across the global business including Operations, Finance, IT, Marketing, Agri, Supply Chain, R&D, Quality, Business Excellence and Corporate Affairs.
Avonmore Cream, our market leading brand, to deliver 1 million units of cream this
Christmas
While many Tirlán farm families got an opportunity to wind down over Christmas, the Avonmore teams were prepared for their busiest time of year as demand peaked for Avonmore Cream. Without the hard work liquid suppliers undertake to provide year-round milk, even throughout Christmas, meeting consumer demand would simply not have been possible.
Over 1,000,000 units of cream are again expected to be sold over the Christmas period. It all takes a mammoth team effort each year, from suppliers, transport and processing teams all throughout the month of December.
If you have an idea, suggestion or any feedback on Tirlán Farm Focus please contact: Corporate Affairs Department, Tirlán, Abbey Quarter, Kilkenny, R95 DXR1 T: 056 779 6300 or email hello@Tirlánfarmlife.com
Some of the many graduates working with Tirlán as part of the Unearth Your Future Graduate Programme.