No compromise on core farming principles,

Whatever the challenges or conditions!

The Positive Farmers continue to push boundaries to introduce world class information and innovative speakers in a positive and invigorating atmosphere at our annual conference. We aim to make the whole conference experience special for all our delegates. Our enthusiastic team are always on hand to help. Led by Dena Murphy, our goal is to make the Conference experience both memorable and as enjoyable as possible for all delegates. Positive Farmers Team

Better Farming Better Business Better Living

Founded in 1999 by Michael Murphy and Con Hurley it is regarded as being Europe’s premier Dairy Conference.

The PFC is independent and is not aligned to any political, or commercial farming organisation. It has been run

independently since the first conference in 2000.

Topics are carefully chosen. Leading experts together with evidence based information and research give the direction,

clarity and the focus needed to achieve a profitable and sustainable dairy business.

We see family farms as the backbone of the dairy industry, and while we put a strong emphasis on improving both farm

management and financial skills to achieve the maximum from the farm business, we challenge you to look at your

choices in a strategic way. We are committed not only to improving the business performance of the farm but also the

overall lifestyle of the whole family.

Networking is also an important aspect of the two-day event and provides a huge opportunity to meet with like-minded

people who have similar goals to you. Those attending the PFC find it exciting, stimulating and strongly motivational -

A great way to begin the farming year

In 2015 Con Hurley and Michael Murphy undertook a strategic review of the Dairy Industry, its

challenges and opportunities. This report was presented to the joint committee of The Department of

Agriculture. (2025 AGRI FOOD STRATEGY COMMITTEE)

This is widely regarded as a blueprint for the Dairy Industry

Global Perspective As an organisation we are watchful of both domestic and world developments and how it affects inside the farm gate. With our large network of trusted contacts worldwide - industry leaders, advisor’s and top performing dairy farmers, we take great care to formulate programmes that address the current and future needs of dairy farmers. We consistently provide materials & speakers to improve skills in key areas, grow awareness of opportunities and risk and greatly improve profits and efficiency on farm. Every year we strive to raise the bar for dairy farming , we want to seize every opportunity. From engaging and helping to lead the industry, to strengthening ties with farming organisations that share quality information. We also strive to make dairy farmers more aware of how the global markets function, what factors drive them and how this influences the price we get for our milk. 

Positive Farmers Conference We have consistently promoted the GrassRich low cost principles to increase profits and improve lifestyle on dairy farms. With access to unparalleled networking opportunities, our Conference and its influence has grown hugely. Large numbers travel from the UK and other European countries. The knowledge gained, the networking opportunities and the friendships build up make this a fantastic occasion and invaluable investment in your future.

more that just a Conference...........

No compromise on core farming principles,

Whatever the challenges or conditions!

About us

OUR FOCUS

OUR OBJECTIVES

OUR BOARD

OUR TEAM

Positive Farmers, Cork, Ireland Open; Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm Telephone; 353 87 6457987 Email: positivefarmers@gmail.com

Aidan Brennan

Aidan is a partner in the family run dairy farm in Tipperary, he holds a degree in Agriculture and a higher diploma in Economics. He worked for Teagasc Moorepark for 7 years and joined the Irish farmers journal editorial team in 2015 as dairy specialist He joined the Positive Farmers management team in November 2016. “Passionate about low cost grass based dairy systems. Love to see people progress and achieve their dreams and life goals.”

(Aidan Brennan)

Michael Murphy

Michael Murphy, a well known figure in Irish Dairying circles. Dairy farmer, entrepreneur and international businessman. He is a pioneer in high profit, grass based dairying not just in Ireland, but worldwide. He has interests in farming operations in Ireland, New Zealand, Missouri, and Chile. In addition he is director of several companies outside farming. He speaks frequently at International conferences. He has addressed farmers on topics including wealth creation and the dairy industry's international future. Michael has led over 10 farm study tours to New Zealand and has also led tours of Mid West United States. Farmers found the quality of the tours life changing in terms of what it did for them and their farming businesses. Michael now spends a large amount of his time mentoring young people starting out in Dairying. He also has strong ties with Moorepark. “I’m passionate about superb quality grass based dairying. As dairy farmers we are price takers. So hence we compensate best for this by ensuring we are low cost producers. This is best achieved by going the grass rich route which gives wonderful results over time. Highly skilled people, very fertile cows, strong financial discipline + superb grassland management will be the basis of a world class Irish dairy industry. This fires off high free cash + free time across the cycles. Simple resilient systems but operated to an excellent standard give dairy farmers better prosperity and better dignity” “I love to help people to help themselves by travelling the well proven road to success and happiness.” (Michael Murphy)

Tom and Mary O’Keeffe

Tom & Mary ran an intensive grass based dairy farm and were members of the Bottom Line Discussion Group. Totally focused on the grass based, low cost system with an emphasis on benchmarking and measurement. They now provide specialised farm management software for farmers and contractors. They still retain farming interests and both enjoy the outdoors. Each year they help organise the Positive Farmers dairy conference and international study tours. “We have always believed in the importance of measurement and benchmarking to further improve performance. We enjoy being part of a group that motivates, inspires change and is of value to others.” (Tom and Mary O’Keeffe)

Building a Resilient, Flourishing, Internationally Competitive Dairy Industry in Ireland

Tom, Emma,Dena, Breeda & Nuala (L to R)

Breeda, Dena, Heather, Emma & Ann (L to R)

Range in Production Costs & Percentage Grazed Grass Grass Poor 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Grass Rich • More Capital • More Complexity • More Work • More Stress • More Risk • Less Profit • Less Free Time • Less Wealth Creation

% Grazed Grass in the Dairy Cows Diet Adapted from Dillon et al, Moorepark

GRASS RICH OR GRASS POOR?

Any time you introduce a Machine between a Cow and her Feed you introduce Costs.

Colin Glass -Dairy Holdings

Every extra ton of Grass eaten = 161per ha (Moorepark data)

Simple - Low Cost - Profitable - Grass Based Systems

Better Farming - Better Business - Better Living

Focused International Farm Study Tours Our International Farm Tours are an amazing opportunity to expose yourself to the top performing and knowledgeable dairy farmers in the world. We take great care to formulate programmes that address the current and future needs of dairy farmers. We anticipate the challenges facing Irish and /UK dairy farmers over the next 5-10 years and explore how these same challenges are being effectively managed on top farms. The Positive Farmers New Zealand Farm Study Tours led by Michael Murphy are described as both a business and life changing experience. The lessons learnt on a Positive Farmers New Zealand farm study tour can create a lifetime platform for success in your farming business. The study tour of Mid West United States is exciting and shows the challenges of running a profitable dairy business in a continental climate. It also explores the intense US Dairy Industry and helps greatly in understanding the sleeping giant which is now the second largest exporter of milk in the world. It shows how grass based farming can be adapted to all conditions and how good business and people management skills can help grow a successful dairy farm business in challenging conditions. 

(Aidan Brennan)

(Aidan Brennan)

Founded in 1999 by Michael Murphy and

Con Hurley it is regarded as being

Europe’s premier Dairy Conference.

The Positive Farmers is totally independent and free of all outside influences. Topics are carefully chosen. You will learn from leading experts who will give you the direction, clarity and the focus you need to achieve your goals. You will network with like-minded people who have similar goals to you. We are committed not only to improving the business performance of the farm but also the overall lifestyle of the whole family. In 2015 Con Hurley and Michael Murphy (Positive Farmers) undertook a strategic review of the Dairy Industry, its challenges and opportunities, This report was presented to the joint committee of department of Agriculture. (2025 AGRI FOOD STRATEGY COMMITTEE) This is widely regarded as a blueprint for the dairy industry.

Aidan Brennan

Aidan is a partner in the family run dairy farm in Tipperary, he holds a degree in Agriculture and a higher diploma in economics. He worked for Teagasc Moorepark for 7 years and joined the Irish farmers journal editorial team in 2015 as dairy specialist. He joined the Positive Farmers management team in November 2016. “Passionate about low cost grass based dairy systems. Love to see people progress and achieve their dreams and life goals.”

(Aidan Brennan)

With access to unparalleled networking opportunities, our Conference and its influence has grown hugely. Large numbers travel from the UK and other European countries. Many make it a family break before the start of the calving season. The knowledge gained, the networking opportunities and the friendships build up make this a fantastic occasion and invaluable investment in your future.

Building a Resilient, Flourishing, Internationally Competitive Dairy Industry in Ireland

Breeda, Dena, Heather, Emma and Ann (L to R)

Tom, Emma,Dena, Breeda and Nuala (L to R)

By Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 3.0, ttps://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18746632

No compromise on core farming principles,

Whatever the challenges or conditions!

Simple - Low Cost - Profitable - Grass Based Systems

Better Farming - Better Business - Better Living

Michael Murphy

Michael Murphy, a well known figure in Irish Dairying circles. Dairy farmer, entrepreneur and international businessman. He is a pioneer in high profit, grass based dairying not just in Ireland, but worldwide. He has interests in farming operations in Ireland, New Zealand, Missouri, and Chile. In addition he is director of several companies outside farming. He speaks frequently at International conferences. He has addressed farmers on topics including wealth creation and the dairy industry's international future. Michael has led over 10 farm study tours to New Zealand and has also led tours of Mid West United States. Farmers found the quality of the tours life changing in terms of what it did for them and their farming businesses. Michael now spends a large amount of his time mentoring young people starting out in Dairying. He also has strong ties with Moorepark. “I’m passionate about superb quality grass based dairying. As dairy farmers we are price takers. So hence we compensate best for this by ensuring we are low cost producers. This is best achieved by going the grass rich route which gives wonderful results over time. Highly skilled people, very fertile cows, strong financial discipline + superb grassland management will be the basis of a world class Irish dairy industry. This fires off high free cash + free time across the cycles. Simple resilient systems but operated to an excellent standard give dairy farmers better prosperity and better dignity” “ I love to help people to help themselves by travelling the well proven road to success and happiness.” (Michael Murphy)

Better Farming Better Business Better Living

353 87 6457987

Open; Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm

Any time you introduce a Machine between a

Cow and her Feed you introduce Costs.

GRASS RICH OR GRASS POOR?

With our large network of trusted contacts worldwide - industry leaders, advisor’s and top performing dairy farmers, we take great care to formulate programmes that address the current and future needs of dairy farmers. We anticipate the challenges facing Irish and /UK dairy farmers over the next 5-10 years and explore how these same challenges are being effectively managed on top farms. The Positive Farmers New Zealand Farm Study Tours led by Michael Murphy are described as both a business and life changing experience The lessons learnt on a Positive Farmers New Zealand farm study tour can create a lifetime platform for success in your farming business. The study tour of Mid West United States is exciting and shows the challenges of running a profitable dairy business in a continental climate. It also explores the intense US Dairy Industry and helps greatly in understanding the sleeping giant which is now the second largest exporter of milk in the world. It also shows how grass based farming can be adapted to all conditions and how good business and people management skills can help grow a successful dairy farm business in challenging conditions.