From a dairy farming perspective, the biggest impact of an escalation of the coronavirus outbreak is likely to be a reduction in global demand for dairy products.

Depending on what happens to supply, this has the potential to reduce the price of milk in Ireland.

However, it could also have implications inside the farm gate. If farmers, employees or family members get sick, or need to go into self-isolation, who is going to do the work?

It’s unlikely, but not altogether impossible, that there could be milk collection issues.

The virus is predicted to peak during May, June and July so it will coincide with the peak months for milk supply.

With no surplus processing capacity at peak, if a plant has to close for a period it could have an effect on milk collection.

Supply chain problems could affect delivery of large items such as feed, fertiliser or fuel. If there are to be other supply chain issues, they will likely affect non-essential items that have uses outside of farming.

A stock of items such as detergents, teat dip, silage polythene, etc should be kept up to date.

Measures should be taken now to prevent the spread of coronavirus on dairy farms.

Avoid close contact with people as much as possible and wash your hands after visits away from the farm or after meeting people.

Minimise any contact with milk lorry drivers, vets, delivery drivers and AI technicians.