Web: www.positivefarmers.ie - Phone: 353 87 6457987 - Email: info@positivefarmers.ie
PROTECTING YOUR PROFITS
IN CHALLENGING TIMES
Web: www.positivefarmers.ie - Phone: 353 87 6457987 - Email: info@positivefarmers.ie
2024 POSITIVE FARMERS CONFERENCE
PROTECTING YOUR PROFITS
IN CHALLENGING TIMES
Web: www.positivefarmers.ie - Phone: 353 87 6457987 - Email: info@positivefarmers.ie
2024 POSITIVE FARMERS CONFERENCE
Embrace Profitable, Labour Efficient,
Milk Production at our Industry Leading Dairy
Event
BONUS MASTERCLASS OPPORTUNITY (limited availability)
Paul Bird (Dairy NZ) will host a financial evaluation and management workshop. The workshop begins each day at 8 am sharp and
will conclude before the Conference Opening. Limited to one workshop each.
. Discussion Group, Teagasc and Student discounts available.
09:00 - 09:40
Registration, Refreshments & Networking
09:40 - 09:45
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Session 1 A
09:45 - 10:35
DAIRY MARKETS OUTLOOK
Jim Bergin, CEO of Tirlán, the largest dairy co-operative in Ireland will give his perspective on the outlook
for milk price in the short, medium and long term. This is particularly relevant in light of lower global demand
for dairy products - a new phenomenon.
Jim will also outline the future direction of Tirlán and where he sees new opportunities to add value for
shareholders.
Chairperson: Michael Murphy
Jim Bergin
CEO of Tirlán Co-operative Society Ltd., Former
Chairman of Irish Dairy Industry Association. Member
of Ornua Advisory Council
Session 2 A
10:35 - 12:15
EXAMINING FARM SYSTEMS OF THE FUTURE
Intense analysis of different scenarios and what the effects will be
Outputs of the system in terms of profit/ha, cost of production (c/l), environmental impact, workload
•
Detailed comparisons
•
Thought-provoking discussion
How does your system work at
•
220kgN/ha organic stocking rate?
•
190kgN/ha chemical fertiliser allowance, at 35c/l base price
•
What cap ex is required due to changes in derogation
Chairperson: Jack Kennedy
Dr. Brendan Horan
Dairy Systems Researcher at Teagasc
Dr. Laurence Shalloo
Head of the Animal & Grassland Research
Moorepark.
Dr. Michael Wallace
Professor of Agriculture and Food Economics at
University College Dublin.
Dr. Zoe McKay
Lecturer/Assistant Professor of Grass and Forage
Science at University College Dublin
12:15 - 13:25
Lunch and Networking
Session 3 A
13:25 - 15:00
BUILDING BLOCKS OF PROFITABLE DAIRY FARMING
Paul Bird is a highly regarded farm consultant with Dairy NZ, specialising in the area of farm business.
As many farmers are grappling with higher costs and falling milk prices, Paul will outline the basis for a
profitable dairy farming system. How much should be invested, appropriate stocking rates and what are
the key areas farmers should focus on in order to deliver on the business plan.
Chairperson: Aidan Brennan
Paul Bird NZ
DairyNZ business specialist,
Mark and Measure course provider,
Banker and farm consultant in New Zealand and
Europe..
15:00 - 15:30
Refreshment Break & Networking
Session 4 A
15:30 - 17:00
PATHS TO SUCCESS - BUILDING A BUSINESS THAT ALLOWS PROGRESSION
West Cork dairy farmer William Kingston has helped countless young farmers to progress in the
dairy industry. Willie shares his insights into the why and how of building a business model that
develops young people and allows them to progress.
Briege Corkery and Diarmuid Scannell are dairy farming on leased land near Cork city. Diarmaid
and Briege will share their story of progression from farm manager to share milker to business owner.
Chairperson: Paidi Kelly
William Kingston
Dairy Farming in Co. Cork.
Briege Corkery and Diarmuid Scannell
Dairy Farming in Co. Cork.
19:30 - ……….
CONFERENCE GALA NETWORKING DINNER
Relax and unwind after the first day of the Conference in good company.
DAY 2
Thursday - 11th January 2024
08:30 - 09:15
Registration, Refreshments & Networking
Session 1 B
09:15 - 11:00
PRODUCING HIGH VALUE CALVES FROM THE DAIRY HERD
With more emphasis on producing higher beef value calves from the dairy herd, Dr Padraig French from
Teagasc will outline where the industry is at and the direction of travel. This is particularly relevant in the
absence of calf slaughter and risks over the future of live export.
Jim Curran, a dairy farmer with a Jersey crossbred herd from Co. Waterford will share his experiences of
using sexed semen and higher beef merit beef bulls on his dairy farm.
Chairperson: John McNamara
Dr. Padraig French
Head of Livestock Systems Department & Dairy
Enterprise Leader, Teagasc.
Jim Curran
Dairy Farmer, Co. Waterford
11:00 - 11:30
Refreshment Break & Networking
Session 2 B
11:30 - 13:00
MANAGING RISK AND CUTTING COSTS
Dairy NZ farm business guru Paul Bird returns to examine practical ways farmers can manage costs,
cut costs and manage risk. Dairy farmers in the western world are operating in a volatile business
environment with multiple strands of policy changes around greenhouse gas emissions and water
quality, not to mention volatile milk prices and input costs.
UK based dairy farmer Ed Dale will share his practical insights into managing costs and protecting
margin in the current milk price/input cost squeeze.
Chairperson: Sean McCarthy
Ed Dale
Family business which started in the 1940s Dale
Farms are now involved in the management of
seven herds from Shropshire to South West
Scotland.
Paul Bird
DairyNZ business specialist,
13:00 - 14:15
Lunch and Networking
Session 3 B
14:15 - 15:45
MAKING SUCCESSION A SUCCESS
This session will explore the important topic of succession – something every farm family experiences.
Clare O’Keeffe from Succession Ireland will share her professional experiences of the different considerations
when succession planning.
Retired dairy farmer Anthony Betts shares his experience of life post milking. With no family members
interested in taking over the running of the farm, Anthony and the Betts’ family charted a course for him
to step back from running the farm, but still using his skills as a top class dairy farmer.
The Power family from Waterford share their experiences of family partnerships and succession and how
planning early can reap rewards for all parties and allow the farm business to flourish.
Chairperson: Gillian O’Sullivan
Clare O’Keeffe
Succession Ireland
Farmer, Tutor and Mediator
Anthony Betts
Retired dairy farmer
Tom & Moya Power
Dairy farmers
15:45 - 15:55
Comfort Break
Session 4 B
15:55 - 16:50
FINDING BALANCE, NURTURING WELLBEING AND DEALING WITH STRESS ON FARMS
Dr Paula Carroll will share her professional experience of how dairy farmers can use tools to maintain
resilience, avoid burnout and deal with challenging workloads. She will share details of the science
around stress indicators, the importance of sleep, rest and nutrition and how to cultivate a positive
mindset.
My Story: Rock & Roll Farming
UK based arable and livestock farmer and award winning podcast host Will Evans shares his experiences
of how he manages stress from life on a busy farm.
Chairperson: Mella Briscoe
Dr. Paula Carroll
Senior Lecturer and Researcher, Co-course Leader
of MA in Advanced Facilitation Skills for Health and
Well Being, SETU
Will Evans
Farmer in Wales, Oxford Farming Conference
Chair, Farmers Weekly Columnist, Rock & Roll
Farming podcast
16:50 - 17:00
Conclusion & Conference close
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and successful year ahead
and Unlock your Future
Farming Potential
DAY 1 WEDNESDAY 10th JANUARY 2024
Embrace Profitable, Labour Efficient,
Milk Production at our Industry Leading
nn
Dairy
Event
and Unlock your Future
Farming Potentialllll
BONUS MASTERCLASS OPPORTUNITY (limited availability)
Paul Bird (Dairy NZ) will host a financial evaluation and management
workshop. Numbers are strictly limited. The workshop begins each day at 8
am sharp and will conclude before the Conference Opening. Limited to one
workshop each.
09:00 - 09:40
Registration, Refreshments & Networking
09:40 - 09:45
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Session 1 A
09:45 - 10:35
DAIRY MARKETS OUTLOOK
Jim Bergin, CEO of Tirlán, the largest dairy co-
operative in Ireland will give his perspective on the
outlook for milk price in the short, medium and long
term. This is particularly relevant in light of lower
global demand for dairy products - a new
phenomenon.
Jim will also outline the future direction of Tirlán and
where he sees new opportunities to add value for
shareholders.
Session 2 A
10:35 - 12:15
EXAMINING FARM SYSTEMS OF THE FUTURE
Intense analysis of different scenarios and what
the effects will be
Outputs of the system in terms of profit/ha, cost of
production (c/l), environmental impact, workload.
•
Detailed comparisons
•
Thought-provoking discussion
How does your system work at
- 220kgN/ha organic stocking rate?
- 190kgN/ha chemical fertiliser allowance
at 35c/l base price
- What cap ex is required due to changes in
derogation
Chairperson:
Jack Kennedy
Dr. Brendan
Horan
Moorepark
Dr. Laurence
Shalloo
Moorepark.
Dr. Michael
Wallace UCD
Dr. Zoe McKay
UCD
12:15 - 13:25
Lunch and Networking
Session 3 A
13:25 - 15:00
BUILDING BLOCKS OF PROFITABLE DAIRY FARMING
Paul Bird is a highly regarded farm consultant with
Dairy NZ, specialising in the area of farm business.
As many farmers are grappling with higher costs and
falling milk prices, Paul will outline the basis for a
profitable dairy farming system. How much should
be invested, appropriate stocking rates and what are
the key areas farmers should focus on in order to
deliver on the business plan.
Chairperson:
Aidan Brennan
Paul Bird NZ
DairyNZ business
specialist, Mark
and Measure
course provider,
Banker and farm
consultant in New
Zealand and
Europe.
15:00 - 15:30
Refreshment Break & Networking
Session 4 A
15:30 - 17:00
PATHS TO SUCCESS - BUILDING A BUSINESS THAT
ALLOWS PROGRESSION
West Cork dairy farmer William Kingston has
helped countless young farmers to progress in the
dairy industry. Willie shares his insights into the why
and how of building a business model that develops
young people and allows them to progress.
Briege Corkery and Diarmuid Scannell are dairy
farming on leased land near Cork city. Diarmaid and
Briege will share their story of progression from farm
manager to share milker to business owner.
Chairperson:
Paidi Kelly
William
Kingston
Dairy Farming in
Co. Cork.
Briege Corkery
and Diarmuid
Scannell
Dairy Farming in
Co. Cork.
19:30 - ……….
CONFERENCE GALA NETWORKING DINNER
Relax and unwind after the first day of the
Conference in good company.
DAY 1
Wednesday 10th January
DAY 2
08:30 - 09:15
Registration, Refreshments & Networking
Session 1 B
09:15 - 11:00
PRODUCING HIGH VALUE CALVES FROM THE
DAIRY HERD
With more emphasis on producing higher beef
value calves from the dairy herd, Dr Padraig
French from Teagasc will outline where the
industry is at and the direction of travel. This is
particularly relevant in the absence of calf
slaughter and risks over the future of live
export.
Jim Curran, a dairy farmer with a Jersey
crossbred herd from Co. Waterford will share
his experiences of using sexed semen and
higher beef merit beef bulls on his dairy farm.
Chairperson: John
McNamara
Dr. Padraig French
Head of Livestock
System, Teagasc.
Jim Curran
Dairy Farmer
Co. Waterford
11:00 - 11:30
Refreshment Break & Networking
Session 2 B
11:30 - 13:00
MANAGING RISK AND CUTTING COSTS
Dairy NZ farm business guru Paul Bird returns
to examine practical ways farmers can manage
costs, cut costs and manage risk. Dairy farmers
in the western world are operating in a volatile
business environment with multiple strands of
policy changes around greenhouse gas
emissions and water quality, not to mention
volatile milk prices and input costs.
UK based dairy farmer Ed Dale will share his
practical insights into managing costs and
protecting margin in the current milk
price/input cost squeeze
Chairperson: Sean
McCarthy
Ed Dale
Dale Farms are now
involved in the
management of
seven herds from
Shropshire to South
West Scotland
Paul Bird
DairyNZ business
specialist, farm
consultant in New
Zealand and Europe.
13:00 - 14:15
Lunch and Networking
Session 3 B
14:15 - 15:45
MAKING SUCCESSION A SUCCESS
This session will explore the important topic of
succession – something every farm family
experiences.
Clare O’Keeffe from Succession Ireland will
share her professional experiences of the
different considerations when succession
planning.
Retired dairy farmer Anthony Betts shares his
experience of life post milking. With no family
members interested in taking over the running
of the farm, Anthony and the Betts’ family
charted a course for him to step back from
running the farm, but still using his skills as a
top class dairy farmer.
The Power family from Waterford share their
experiences of family partnerships and
succession and how planning early can reap
rewards for all parties and allow the farm
business to flourish.
Chairperson:
Gillian O’Sullivan
Clare O’Keeffe
Succession Ireland
Farmer, Tutor and
Mediator
Anthony Betts
Retired dairy farmer
Tom & Moya
Power
Dairy farmers
15:45 - 15:55
Comfort Break
Session 4 B
15:55 - 16:50
FINDING BALANCE, NURTURING
WELLBEING AND DEALING WITH
STRESS ON FARMS
Dr Paula Carroll will share her professional
experience of how dairy farmers can use tools
to maintain resilience, avoid burnout and deal
with challenging workloads. She will share
details of the science around stress indicators,
the importance of sleep, rest and nutrition and
how to cultivate a positive mindset.
My Story: Rock & Roll Farming
UK based arable and livestock farmer and
award winning podcast host Will Evans shares
his experiences of how he manages stress from
life on a busy farm.
Chairperson:
Mella Briscoe
Dr. Paula Carroll
Senior Lecturer and
Researcher, SETU
Will Evans
Farmer in Wales,
Oxford Farming
Conference Chair,
Farmers Weekly
Columnist, Rock &
Roll Farming podcast
16:50 - 17:00
Conclusion & Conference close
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and
successful year ahead
Thursday 11th January
2024 POSITIVE FARMERS CONFERENCE
PROTECTING YOUR PROFITS
IN CHALLENGING TIMES
Discussion Group, Teagasc & Student discounts available.
Better Farming - Better Business - Better Lifestyle
Web: www.positivefarmers.ie - Phone: 353 87 6457987 - Email: info@positivefarmers.ie
DAY 1 WEDNESDAY 10th JANUARY 2024
Embrace Profitable, Labour Efficient,
Milk Production at our Industry Leading Dairy
Event
BONUS MASTERCLASS OPPORTUNITY (limited availability)
Paul Bird (Dairy NZ) will host a financial evaluation and management workshop. The workshop begins each day at 8 am
sharp and will conclude before the Conference Opening. Limited to one workshop each.
Early Bird, Discussion Group, Teagasc and Student discounts available.
09:00 - 09:40
Registration, Refreshments & Networking
09:40 - 09:45
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Session 1 A
09:45 - 10:35
DAIRY MARKETS OUTLOOK
Jim Bergin, CEO of Tirlán, the largest dairy co-operative in Ireland will give his perspective on the outlook
for milk price in the short, medium and long term. This is particularly relevant in light of lower global
demand for dairy products - a new phenomenon.
Jim will also outline the future direction of Tirlán and where he sees new opportunities to add value for
shareholders.
Chairperson: Michael Murphy
Jim Bergin
CEO of Tirlán Co-operative Society Ltd.,
Former Chairman of Irish Dairy Industry
Association. Member of Ornua Advisory
Council
Session 2 A
10:35 - 12:15
EXAMINING FARM SYSTEMS OF THE FUTURE
Intense analysis of different scenarios and what the effects will be
Outputs of the system in terms of profit/ha, cost of production (c/l), environmental impact, workload
•
Detailed comparisons
•
Thought-provoking discussion
How does your system work at
•
220kgN/ha organic stocking rate?
•
190kgN/ha chemical fertiliser allowance, at 35c/l base price
•
What cap ex is required due to changes in derogation
Chairperson: Jack Kennedy
Dr. Brendan Horan
Dairy Systems Researcher at Teagasc
Dr. Laurence Shalloo
Head of the Animal & Grassland Research
Moorepark.
Dr. Michael Wallace
Professor of Agriculture and Food Economics
at University College Dublin.
Dr. Zoe McKay
Lecturer/Assistant Professor of Grass and
Forage Science at University College Dublin
12:15 - 13:25
Lunch and Networking
Session 3 A
13:25 - 15:00
BUILDING BLOCKS OF PROFITABLE DAIRY FARMING
Paul Bird is a highly regarded farm consultant with Dairy NZ, specialising in the area of farm business.
As many farmers are grappling with higher costs and falling milk prices, Paul will outline the basis for a
profitable dairy farming system. How much should be invested, appropriate stocking rates and what are
the key areas farmers should focus on in order to deliver on the business plan.
Chairperson: Aidan Brennan
Paul Bird NZ
DairyNZ business specialist,
Mark and Measure course provider,
Banker and farm consultant in New Zealand
and Europe..
15:00 - 15:30
Refreshment Break & Networking
Session 4 A
15:30 - 17:00
PATHS TO SUCCESS - BUILDING A BUSINESS THAT ALLOWS PROGRESSION
West Cork dairy farmer William Kingston has helped countless young farmers to progress in the dairy
industry. Willie shares his insights into the why and how of building a business model that develops
young people and allows them to progress.
Briege Corkery and Diarmuid Scannell are dairy farming on leased land near Cork city. Diarmaid and
Briege will share their story of progression from farm manager to share milker to business owner.
Chairperson: Paidi Kelly
William Kingston
Dairy Farming in Co. Cork.
Briege Corkery and Diarmuid Scannell
Dairy Farming in Co. Cork.
19:30 - ……….
CONFERENCE GALA NETWORKING DINNER
Relax and unwind after the first day of the Conference in good company.
and Unlock your Future
Farming Potential
DAY 1 WEDNESDAY 10th JANUARY 2024
Senior Lecturer and Researcher, Co-course
Leader of MA in Advanced Facilitation
Skills for Health and Well Being, SETU
DAY 2
Thursday - 11th January 2024
08:30 - 09:15
Registration, Refreshments & Networking
Session 1 B
09:15 - 11:00
PRODUCING HIGH VALUE CALVES FROM THE DAIRY HERD
With more emphasis on producing higher beef value calves from the dairy herd, Dr Padraig French from
Teagasc will outline where the industry is at and the direction of travel. This is particularly relevant in the
absence of calf slaughter and risks over the future of live export.
Jim Curran, a dairy farmer with a Jersey crossbred herd from Co. Waterford will share his experiences of
using sexed semen and higher beef merit beef bulls on his dairy farm.
Chairperson: John McNamara
Dr. Padraig French
Head of Livestock Systems Department &
Dairy Enterprise Leader, Teagasc.
Jim Curran
Dairy Farmer, Co. Waterford
11:00 - 11:30
Refreshment Break & Networking
Session 2 B
11:30 - 13:00
MANAGING RISK AND CUTTING COSTS
Dairy NZ farm business guru Paul Bird returns to examine practical ways farmers can manage costs,
cut costs and manage risk. Dairy farmers in the western world are operating in a volatile business
environment with multiple strands of policy changes around greenhouse gas emissions and water
quality, not to mention volatile milk prices and input costs.
UK based dairy farmer Ed Dale will share his practical insights into managing costs and protecting
margin in the current milk price/input cost squeeze.
Chairperson: Sean McCarthy
Paul Bird
DairyNZ business specialist,
Ed Dale
Family business which started in the 1940s
Dale Farms are now involved in the
management of seven herds from
Shropshire to South West Scotland.
13:00 - 14:15
Lunch and Networking
Session 3 B
14:15 - 15:45
MAKING SUCCESSION A SUCCESS
This session will explore the important topic of succession – something every farm family experiences.
Clare O’Keeffe from Succession Ireland will share her professional experiences of the different
considerations when succession planning.
Retired dairy farmer Anthony Betts shares his experience of life post milking. With no family members
interested in taking over the running of the farm, Anthony and the Betts’ family charted a course for him
to step back from running the farm, but still using his skills as a top class dairy farmer.
The Power family from Waterford share their experiences of family partnerships and succession and
how planning early can reap rewards for all parties and allow the farm business to flourish.
Chairperson: Gillian O’Sullivan
Clare O’Keeffe
Succession Ireland
Farmer, Tutor and Mediator
Anthony Betts
Retired dairy farmer
Tom & Moya Power
Dairy farmers
15:45 - 15:55
Comfort Break
Session 4 B
15:55 - 16:50
FINDING BALANCE, NURTURING WELLBEING AND DEALING WITH STRESS ON FARMS
Dr Paula Carroll will share her professional experience of how dairy farmers can use tools to maintain
resilience, avoid burnout and deal with challenging workloads. She will share details of the science
around stress indicators, the importance of sleep, rest and nutrition and how to cultivate a positive
mindset.
My Story: Rock & Roll Farming
UK based arable and livestock farmer and award winning podcast host Will Evans shares his experiences
of how he manages stress from life on a busy farm.
Chairperson: Mella Briscoe
Dr. Paula Carroll
Senior Lecturer and Researcher, Co-course
Leader of MA in Advanced Facilitation
Skills for Health and Well Being, SETU
Will Evans
Farmer in Wales, Oxford Farming
Conference Chair, Farmers Weekly
Columnist, Rock & Roll Farming podcast
16:50 - 17:00
Conclusion & Conference close
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and successful year ahead
2024 POSITIVE FARMERS CONFERENCE
PROTECTING YOUR PROFITS
IN CHALLENGING TIMES
