Positive Farmers, Cork, Ireland
Open Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm
Telephone 087 6457987
email: mok.positivefarmers@gmail.com
www.positivefarmers.ie
The Positive Farmers Group present Europe’s premier Dairy Farming Conference each year
Share evidenced based information, resources and experiences that help dairy farmers succeed
Tom & Mary O’Keeffe ran an intensive grass based dairy farm in Newmarket, Co. Cork 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 enjoy being part of a group that motivates, inspires change and is of value to others. We have always
believed in the importance of measurement and benchmarking to further improve performance.”
(Tom & Mary O’Keeffe)
Aidan Brennan 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
Tom & Mary O’Keeffe
Aidan Brennan
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.
Breeda, Dena, Heather, Emma and Ann (L to R)
The ‘Positive Farmers’ are an independent group of Irish farmers and industry leaders who want to improve dairy
farmer’s income and lifestyle. Now in its nineteenth year, investing in helping to develop a resilient dairy industry.
Core Activities of the Positive Farmers
We organise a two-day conference in Ireland each year, with internationally renowned speakers from Europe, New Zealand and the U.S. Our consistent message of low cost, grass based systems are always an integral part of each conference. We are totally independent and free of all outside influences, our conference topics are carefully chosen to give direction and clarity. We organise study trips to both New Zealand and America. In 2015 we completed two very successful tours. (U.S. & New Zealand) and in May 2017 we completed our second mid-west U.S. farm study tour. In November 2018 we will complete a very intense, focused NZ tour for expanding dairy farmers which includes attantance at the inaugural Parture.A recent development initiated by Positive Farmers and our own Michael Murphy results in New Zealand and Ireland planning a joint
Pasture Focused Conference. In Nov 2018 it was hosted in New Zealand. In 2020 it will be hosted by the Positive Farmers Group in
Ireland, alternating every two years.
In 2019 we again plan on offerng US farm tour. We are privileged to be exposed to the top dairy farmers in both regions.None of our activities are corporately sponsored, we are totally independent and free of outside influences.
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 (
Australia, China, Germany, New Zealand, Netherlands, Portugal, UK,
and USA.)
He has addressed farmers on topics including wealth creation and the dairy industry's international future.
Michael has lead over 10 farm study tours to New Zealand. Farmers that participated found the quality of the visits 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)
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, advisors 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 and in 2017, 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.
Our recent tour of The Mid West United States will help greatly in understanding this sleeping giant which is now the second largest exporter of milk
in the world.
The two-day Positive Farmers Dairy Conference
is recognised as being the ultimate social,
networking and fun event for dairy farmers.
Our
Conference
•
Access to world wide, evidence-based research
•
Internationally renowned speakers, farmers
and advisors from Europe, New Zealand and
the U.S.
•
Top performing Irish dairy farmers
•
Totally independent, free of all outside
influences
•
Opportunity to benchmark against the best
•
Provides a unique networking opportunity
•
Full of motivation, positivity, important
insights, and great people
•
Help dairy farmers build a profitable,
sustainable farming business
•
Promote simple, low cost, labour efficient
systems that deliver a good profit
•
Provide independent, high quality information
•
Motivate and encourage farmers to up-skill
•
Provide a pathway for young dairy farmers
•
Help farmers maintain a profit focussed
approach at all times
•
Provide leadership & have a global perspective
Our
Aims
A low cost grass based system, which focuses
on profit and labour efficiency and proves
resilient when milk prices fall or production
costs increase unexpectedly.
Founded in 1999 by Michael Murphy and Con Hurley it is regarded as being the best Dairy Conference in
Europe.
Access to unparalleled networking opportunities, our Conference and its influence has grown hugely. Large numbers travel from the UK and other European countries. Between 900 and 1000 delegates attend our two day event. Many make it a family break before the start of the calving season. The knowledge gained, the networking opportunities and the friendships build up to make this a fantastic investment in your future. 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. This is widely regarded as a blueprint for the dairy industry.Positive Farmers Team
None of our activities are corporately sponsored, we are totally independent and free of outside influences.
Global Perspective
•
No hidden agenda,a consistent message
•
Focused on sustainable, low cost, grass based
profitable systems
•
Global awareness to help plan ahead
•
Improve farmers management skills in key
areas
•
Provide a platform for discussion & exchange
of ideas
•
Motivate farmers to be open-minded and
embrace change
The message is always the same with a growing
number of successful farmers reaping the
benefits, in particular during times of milk
price fluctuation.
Our
Promise
Positive Farmers, Cork, Ireland
Office Open Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm
Telephone 087 6457987
email: mok.positivefarmers@gmail.com
www.positivefarmers.ie
As an organisation we are watchful of both domestic and world
developments and its effects inside the farm gate. With our large
network of trusted contacts worldwide - industry leaders, advisors
and top performing dairy farmers, we take great care in formulating
programmes that addresses the current and future needs of dairy
farmers. We consistently provide material/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 and in 2017,
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.
Our recent farm tour of The Mid West United States will help greatly
in understanding this sleeping giant which is now the second largest
exporter of milk in the world.
The ‘Positive Farmers’ are an
independent group of Irish
farmers and industry leaders who
want to improve dairy farmer’s
income and lifestyle. Now in its
nineteenth year, investing in
helping to develop a resilient dairy industry.
Founded in 1999 by Michael Murphy and Con Hurley is has grown to
be regarded as the best Dairy Conference in Europe. With
unparalleled networking opportunities, the Conference and its
influence has grown hugely. Large numbers travel from the UK and
other European countries and this year (2017) over 1000 delegates
attend this two day event. Many make it a family break before the
start of the calving season. The knowledge gained, networking
opportunities and the friendships build up make this the best
investment you could ever make.
Aidan Brennan
Mary & Tom O’Keeffe
Michael Murphy
Share evidenced based information,
resources and experiences that help
dairy farmers succeed
The Positive Farmers Group
Present Europe’s premier Dairy
Farming Conference each year
The two-day Positive Farmers Dairy Conference
is recognised as being the ultimate social,
networking and fun event for dairy farmers.
Our
Conference
•
Access to world wide, evidence-based research
•
Internationally renowned speakers, farmers and
advisors from Europe, New Zealand and the U.S.
•
Top performing Irish dairy farmers
•
Totally independent,free of all outside
influences
•
Opportunity to benchmark against the best
•
Provides a unique networking opportunity
•
Full of motivation, positivity, important insights,
and great people
•
Help dairy farmers build a profitable, sustainable
farming business
•
Promote simple, low cost, labour efficient
systems that deliver a good profit
•
Provide independent, high quality information
•
Motivate and encourage farmers to up-skill
•
Provide a pathway for young dairy farmers
•
Help farmers maintain a profit focussed
approach at all times
•
Provide leadership & have a global perspective
Our
Aims
A low cost grass based system, which focuses on
profit and labour efficiency and proves resilient
when milk prices fall or production costs
increase unexpectedly.
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. This is wildly regarded
as a valuable blueprint for the industry.
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
Breeda, Dena, Heather, Emma & Ann
(L to R)
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 (
Australia, China,
Germany, New Zealand, Netherlands, Portugal, UK, and USA.)
He has
addressed farmers on topics including wealth creation and the dairy
industry's international future.
Michael has lead over 10 farm study tours to New Zealand. Farmers
that participated found the quality of the visits 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)
Aidan Brennan 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)
Tom & Mary O’Keeffe ran an intensive grass
based dairy farm in Newmarket, Co. Cork 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 enjoy being part of a group that motivates, inspires change and is
of value to others. We have always believed in the importance of
measurement and benchmarking to further improve performance.”
(Tom & Mary O’Keeffe)
Core Activities of the Positive Farmers
We organise a two-day conference in Ireland each year, with internationally renowned speakers from Europe, New Zealand and the U.S. Our consistent message of low cost, grass based systems are always an integral part of each conference. We are totally independent and free of all outside influences, our conference topics are carefully chosen to give direction and clarity. We organise study trips to both New Zealand and America. In 2015 we completed two very successful tours. (U.S. & New Zealand) and in May 2017 we completed our second mid-west U.S. farm study tour. We were privileged to be exposed to the top dairy farmers in both regions. We also recognise excellence in the area of improving information flow and performance in Dairy Farming through the presentation of the Positive Farmers Lifetime Merit Award.
None of our activities are corporately sponsored,
we are totally independent and free of outside
influences.
The two-day Positive Farmers Dairy Conference
is recognised as being the ultimate social,
networking and fun event for dairy farmers.
•
No hidden agenda, a consistent message -
(none of our activities are corporately
sponsored)
•
Focused on sustainable, low cost, grass based
profitable systems
•
Global awareness to help plan ahead
•
Improve farmers management skills in key
areas
•
Provide a platform for discussion & exchange
of ideas
•
Motivate farmers to be open-minded and
embrace change
The message is always the same with a growing
number of successful farmers reaping the
benefits, in particular during times of milk
price fluctuation.
