More than 70 farmers from Northern Ireland and England, all members of the Farmers Club (of London), took a trip to Ireland this week. The group visited high- and low-input dairy farms in the east of the country, organised by Glanbia and Keenans.

At a discussion on dairy matters in Kilkenny, Glanbia Ingredients financial director Gordan Murphy explained the Glanbia investment strategy to the visitors and outlined how the Glanbia is processing extra milk since the start of the new quota year.

Recently appointed chair Henry Corbally highlighted how important it was for farming in Ireland and England that the British people voted to stay within the EU in any upcoming referendum on EU membership.

Addressing the group, Richard Butler, vice-chair of the Farmers Club highlighted the massive drop in producer numbers, from over 15,000 to just over 9,500.

While production year-on-year is up 6.7% to date in the UK, Butler expressed deep concern at the dramatic rise in TB cases, from 4,000 cases in 1996 to 32,000 2014.

Butler said that in many parts of the country this is restricting movement of stock and causing huge undue hardship on the dairy industry.

He also highlighted the significant gap that was after opening up between UK dairy processors with April milk cheques showing some processors paying 19 pence per litre (26.7c/l) while others are paying over 34p/l (47c/l) on supermarket contracts.

The Farmers Club, established in 1842, was set up to spread good news about farming throughout England. It has 5,400 members with 60% directly involved in farming. Interestingly, the club owns a hotel in the middle of London which is used extensively by its members. The club also produces a journal six times per year to inform members about technical agricultural issues.