Positive Farmers

Dr. Michael Wallace Professor of Agriculture and Food Economics School of Agriculture and Food Science, UCD. Michael grew up on a family dairy farm in north Co. Monaghan. He obtained his BSc and PhD in Agricultural Economics from Queen’s University Belfast and MSc in Economics from the University of Warwick.

Jim Bergin CEO of Tirlán Co-operative Society Ltd., Former Chairman of Irish Dairy Industry Association. Member of Ornua Advisory Council.

Dr Zoe McKay Lecturer/Assistant Professor of Grass and Forage Science at University College Dublin. Completed a degree in Animal Science in 2015 and a Ph.D. in dairy production in 2019, UCD. Following this, Zoe spent time in industry as a Ruminant Technical Specialist with Phileo UK & Ireland working with ruminant customers across Ireland and the UK.

Retired dairy farmer Anthony had a successful 47-year farming career in Co Waterford – 39 of which were when Anthony solely held the reins. However, Anthony is still actively involved in farming and offers a grass measuring and management service to local farmers. This allows him to remain involved in farming, utilise his skills as a top-class farmer and keeps him active and engaged and gives him a sense of purpose

Anthony Betts

Ed Dale During the 1940s, Herbert and Nora Dale started farming on a 9-acre smallholding called Holly Bank. They hand-milked 18 cows, selling some of the milk to a local milk round. They also kept pigs, free-range hens and grew potatoes. After a happy decade on their smallholding, the Dale family decided to specialise in dairy cows and went on to buy Congleton Farm. They purchased their first land in 1979 at Hare Lane which grew throughout the 80s and was used to feed the home farm. Both areas remain in the business today. Now with over 50 years of experience under their belt, the Dale family and Management Teams continue to invest in the business. Today, they have a dedicated team, with 25 full-time and 15 part-time members. The team was founded by family members who are still very hands-on.

During the 1940s, Herbert and Nora Dale started farming on a 9-acre smallholding called Holly Bank. They hand-milked 18 cows, selling some of the milk to a local milk round. They also kept pigs, free-range hens and grew potatoes. After a happy decade on their smallholding, the Dale family decided to specialise in dairy cows and went on to buy Congleton Farm. They purchased their first land in 1979 at Hare Lane which grew throughout the 80s and was used to feed the home farm. Both areas remain in the business today. Now with over 50 years of experience under their belt, the Dale family and Management Teams continue to invest in the business. Today, they have a dedicated team, with 25 full-time and 15 part-time members. The team was founded by family members who are still very hands-on.