Dairy Industry in Ireland

Ireland’s dairy sector is a critical component of its agricultural industry, contributing significantly to the country’s economy. Known for its lush green pastures, Ireland is an ideal place for dairy farming, primarily due to its favorable climate.

Dairy Cattle and Milk Production

As of the most recent data, Ireland boasts approximately 1.5 million dairy cows. The country’s annual milk production volume stands at around 8.3 billion liters, indicative of its substantial contribution to the global dairy market.

Milk Processing and Production

Ireland processes a significant portion of its milk domestically. The annual milk processing volume in Ireland is around 7.9 billion liters. Annually, Ireland produces approximately 250,000 metric tons of cheese. The country is also a prominent producer of milk powder and whey, manufacturing an estimated 300,000 metric tons of these products each year.

Key Dairy Enterprises

• Ornua - A leading dairy co-operative responsible for marketing and selling Irish dairy products worldwide.
• Kerry Dairy Ireland - Known for its comprehensive milk processing and cheese production.
• Glanbia Ireland - A major player in milk processing and the production of cheese, whey, and other dairy products.
• Dairygold - A key co-operative involved in dairy farming, milk processing, and export activities.

Significant Dairy Farms

• The Ballygrad Farm
• The Ballynoe Farm
• The Aherlow Farm
• The Rathmore Farm

Export and Import of Dairy Products

Ireland exports a substantial amount of dairy products globally. The annual export volume is approximately 1.4 billion liters of milk equivalent in various forms, including cheese, milk powder, and butter. The primary export markets include the EU, the US, and Asian countries. Conversely, Ireland imports relatively minor volumes of dairy products, mainly specialized items not produced domestically. The annual import volume is about 100 million liters of milk equivalent.

Recent Events in the Irish Dairy Market

• Ornua Appoints New Managing Director: Irish dairy co-operative Ornua recently announced the appointment of Cesar França to the position of Managing Director of Ornua’s Global Foods division.
• Raw Milk Prices: Raw milk prices did not change in Ireland compared to May of the current year. However, there was an increase in raw milk prices compared to June 2023.
• Kerry Dairy Ireland: Kerry Dairy Ireland set the milk price for June supplies at 42.5 cents per liter amid variable market conditions.
• Dairy Farmer Income: A Teagasc report revealed that Irish dairy farmer income plummeted by 69% in 2023.
• Environmental Efforts: Efforts to reduce nitrogen emissions in Ireland are expected to further decrease herd sizes, indicating a move towards more environmentally sustainable practices.
• Kerry Co-operative Creameries Ltd. Arbitration: The board of Kerry Co-operative Creameries Ltd. has announced the appointment of RDJ LLP, one of Ireland’s premier corporate law firms, to expedite the ongoing arbitration process concerning the contentious milk price issue with Kerry Creameries Ltd.
• The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has raised alarms about the potential impact of the investigation on Irish dairy exports.

Modified: 2024/09/18

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