DEAR SIR:

As we approach the back-end of a challenging year for Dairygold suppliers, many peoples’ thoughts are turning towards the co-op. Farmers are looking towards Dairygold to find a silver bullet to extreme fodder deficit. And to their credit, they are trying hard to fight the good fight.

But it is within this extreme circumstance that I am questioning what it means to be a member of the largest farmer owned co-operative in Ireland and how do we shape up to the vision set out by the founding members of this economic powerhouse?

Are we living up to the sentiments and ideals of the co-operative movement that brought neighbours together in the pursuit of mutual prosperity? A beacon of socialist co-operation in a capitalist industry.

As a young man looking to the future of the dairy industry, I wonder is there a place for my co-op in its current state.

With our corporate neighbours talking of dividends and plc share values, will the ageing membership of my co-op succumb to a share spin-off plc pension plan?

Are our co-operative days numbered, or do the members see a brighter future for their society?