As persistent snowfall continues to fall across the country, many dairy farmers are concerned that milk lorries won’t be able to reach them in the coming days.
As persistent snowfall continues to fall across the country, many dairy farmers are concerned that milk lorries won’t be able to reach them in the coming days.
Co-ops in the east and south of the country seem to be the worst affected by Storm Emma, with Aurivo in the west of the country reporting little impact so far.
Kerry
Kerry milk collections have been disrupted today due to the weather but the co-op hopes to be back in operation tomorrow.
A spokesperson for Kerry stated: “Our Kerry Agribusiness milk trucks collected up to 2pm yesterday and will resume milk collection from daybreak tomorrow (Saturday) morning.”
Dairygold
Dairygold hopes to return to collecting milk in some areas this Friday evening, providing the weather allows it.
“Given the extent of travel, transport and accessibility issues as a result of snow and ice, collections will continue to be put on hold until such time as the situation improves,” a Dairygold spokesperson stated.
“We are continuing to closely monitor the situation working with our haulers, milk suppliers and Milk Advisory team in each region to ascertain if some collections may be possible this evening/night. This will be subject to weather and conditions.”
Glanbia
Glanbia is experiencing difficulties given the treacherous road conditions, which have been caused as a result of the storm.
"Unfortunately based on current road conditions we expect little if any milk collection to take place today. We are acutely aware of the challenging situation on many farms,” a spokesperson for Glanbia told the Irish Farmers Journal.
Due to road conditions, most Glanbia agri branches will remain closed on Saturday, 3 March. The company has said it will reopen branches for its customers as soon as local conditions are safe to do so.
“Farmers in difficulty should contact their local farm development or milk quality manager. All agri branches are closed today but will open this weekend if it is safe to do so."
LacPatrick
LacPatrick are continuing to carry out milk collections on a case-by-case basis as weather conditions remain difficult in the north of the country.
They've advised farmers to speak to hauliers and have asked that farmers make sure they priortise their own safety around the farmyard during this time.
Arrabawn
Midland areas have been hit with a wave of snow and a spokesperson for Arrabawn told the Irish Farmers Journal that all milk collections have been stopped due to dangerous road conditions.
The co-op is hoping to have milk collections back up and running as soon as it is safe to do so.
Aurivo
The co-op in the west of the country is still mainly in operation with only some disruption to services. Their Homeland stores are open from 1pm today and their feed mill is open and operating a delivery service.
“There are some challenging areas and work is being done locally here with suppliers to manage the situation, while being very conscious of the safety of suppliers and employees,” a spokesperson for Aurivo said.
“Aurivo Consumer Foods is also extremely busy with the increase in demand for milk from the general public.”
Centenary Thurles
The co-op in Tipperary has stated that they will not be collecting milk until Saturday, providing road conditions are safe.
Lisavaird co-op
Lisavaird co-op has called a halt to all milk collections today due to the weather warning that is in place until 6pm in Munster.
Some branches of the co-op will be open today between 2pm and 5pm, and feed ration is available for collection at their main outlet.
Read more
Weekly weather: heavy snow and freezing weather ahead
Is your farm ready for severe frost?
From the archives: sheep losses and milking by hand in the big snow of 1982
Weather update: what marts will be open and what marts will be closed?
Storm Emma: HSA farm safety checklist
Farmers told to bear farm safety in mind as country braces for Storm Emma
How to manage cows and calves in extreme cold
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