This is according to new research carried out by Ipsos MRBI for Allied Irish Banks (AIB). Overall, the findings report that almost half (49%) of those planning increased supplies expect to increase output by up to 10% in the next five years. And one in ten (13%) expect to increase output by more than 30% on existing levels.
The principal strategy among farmers in Leinster for increasing milk output was expanding herd size, while farmers in the Munster region more commonly cited improving on-farm efficiencies and grass utilisation.
Anne Finnegan, AIB’s Head of Agri Sector, said, “While the opportunity to increase output is open to all dairy farmers, it is important to remember that increased farm profitability is as dependent on cost control and technical management as it is on scale. The priority should be to improve and maximise existing efficiencies before considering expansion. Dairy farmers should aim to become Better Before Bigger.»
Source: Farmers Journal
