Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal at the Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) open day on the UCD Lyons Estate in Co Kildare, Edmond Harty said that milk price is not deterring investments by farmers.

“It has been a very busy year for us at Dairymaster,” Harty said.

“I suppose contrary to some commentary, a lot of dairy farmers have expanded since April and not prior to quotas going,” Harty added.

With milk prices falling back from the high 30c/l in 2014 to current levels of approximately 26c/l, Harty said that farmers are taking a long-term approach to managing their cashflow as well as investing in new equipment.

“For sure, milk prices aren’t where we’d like them to be but farmers are smart and aware that it is not going to be every year and that things will return,” Harty added.

As well as growth markets in Ireland and Europe, Dairymaster is making strides in countries such as China.

“Regardless of where we go and where we put in equipment, the basis is always the same; sustainable, family farm models,” Harty concluded.