DEAR SIR: The old cliché goes that a team is greater than the sum of its parts. This was certainly the case in all the co-ops last week. We were warned about Storm Emma and the so-called Beast from the East. However, until the weather brought the country to its knees, we didn’t know the impact it would have.

The commitment of farmers, hauliers and staff to get the cows milked, the milk collected and then processed was inspirational. The co-operation between the co-ops was heartening too to make sure no milk was dumped and the integrity of our industry was protected. It was this commitment to the cause that ensured our supply chain was protected and consumers had food to put on their tables in what was a disruptive week.

I would like to place on record my thanks to the LacPatrick farmers, hauliers and staff who worked night and day over the past week to keep things running as smoothly as possible. Hopefully it was a once-in-a-lifetime event.