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Milk supplies grew by 6% at Drinagh Co-op between 2017 and 2018, reaching 197.9m litres last year.
The co-op reported an increase in operating profit of €800,000 to €2,674,473 for last year.
Mill output
Its mill output, up a massive 30% on the previous year, was another significant factor, while its store sales were up 10% on 2017.
Founded in 1923, Drinagh Co-Op is owned by its 2,000 shareholders and employs a staff of 260, making it a significant contributor to the local economy in west Cork.
Chair TJ Sullivan, speaking at the AGM, said: “In 2018, our industry was negatively impacted by extreme weather conditions - heavy rain in spring and drought in summer - overcoming these and indeed be in a position to report successes makes this an exceptional year."
Tribute
He paid tribute to Drinagh suppliers and loyal customers and staff “who are willing to go above and beyond to keep the feed supplied and the milk collected during the difficult conditions”.
Drinagh Co-Op milk is processed at Carbery Foods Ingredients Ltd, with the co-op owning a 35% share of the company.
There were 51 Drinagh farmers among the top 500 milk suppliers receiving the CellCheck milking for quality award last year.
This resulted in a bonus of 0.5c/l being paid on 2018 milk supply.
Also last year, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar officially opened the co-op’s €3.75m feed mill extension.
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