Two events are set to take place in the north-west to showcase the positives of the Irish dairy sector and explore pathways for those looking to start a career in the sector, while also giving options to farmers who are looking to take a step back.

The Aurivo ‘Your Farm Your Future’ events have something for everyone - be it starting the succession planning conversation on your farm; the medium- to long-term market outlook for Irish dairy; or the technical demonstration from ‘Tommy the Vet’ on calf health ahead of the spring calving season.

The events are a 'must attend' for Aurivo dairy farmers and potential new entrants or young farmers looking for avenues into this exciting sector.

Both events take place on Monday, January 20 with the first taking place at Clanree Hotel Letterkenny Co. Donegal at 11:00a.m.

The second event that evening will move to McWilliam Park Hotel in Claremorris, Co. Mayo starting at 7:30p.m sharp. There is no registration required and it is a free event.

The events aim to demonstrate the numerous options available to both landowners and farmers who are thinking of, or planning on stepping back from farming.

It also aims to show young people who may not have access to land, the pathways available to start their career in dairy farming.

While sometimes succession is thought of as passing the farm from parent to son or daughter, the reality is that there are so many options now available to bring in an enthusiastic younger person to give the farm a new energy, direction and focus in a tailored and structured arrangement.

This allows the landowner to take a step back while the farm remains in milk production.

Dairy farming is the most profitable farming enterprise and so continuing the farm as a dairy operation will provide the best opportunity for landowner and farmer alike.

An expert panel discussion will take place on this topic comprising Aurivo suppliers who have gone through such arrangements.

The panel includes:

Milk suppliers, Billy McMahon and Christopher Digimas (Letterkenny event);
Milk suppliers, Bryan and Deirdre Hynes (Claremorris event);
Austin Finn, Land Mobility Service who will outline the various structures around succession;
Agri solicitor, Aisling Meehan on the legal aspects farmers need to consider;
Martin Clarke of ifac on taxation considerations.

There will be a strong emphasis on taking the learnings of the panel to help farmers avoid any potential pitfalls in the future.

A second panel discussion will look at the medium- to long-term demand for dairy globally.

There is a growing demand for dairy globally and while there are challenges for the sector, such as environmental legislation or geo-political relationships, there is also huge opportunity in the medium- and long-term for Irish dairy especially from Aurivo’s perspective.

The panel will include John Murray, director of meat, food and beverages, Bord Bia; Conor Mulvihill, director, Dairy Industry Ireland (DII); Shane Henry, head of member services, Ornua; Miriam Gunn, Aurivo dairy farmer and NDC Farm Ambassador; and Aurivo CEO, Donal Tierney.

Also at the events, Tommy Heffernan known as ‘Tommy the Vet’ will give an interactive session on calf health from the inside out.

He will focus on the importance of a good start to life for calves and simple steps farmers can take to head into the calving season on the best possible footing.

Tommy, a veterinary consultant with over 20 years' experience in the animal health industry, puts a strong emphasis on being 'brilliant at the basics' and in this session will talk about everything from the gut health of the newborn calf to the environment which surrounds it.

Also, on the day there will be a number of trade stands for farmers to engage with including: Nutrias feeds; Aurivo/PVGen farm solar team; financial institutions; Teagasc Signpost Programme; ifac; Land Mobility Service; Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF); Animal Health Ireland (AHI); Grassland Agro; Progressive Genetics and many more.

Attendees will also go home with a goodie bag worth over €100.

Aurivo looks forward to welcoming farmers to both events on Monday, January 20 at 11:00a.m in the Clanree Hotel Letterkenny Co. Donegal and at the evening event at McWilliam Park Hotel. Claremorris, Co. Mayo at 7:30p.m.