There was great attendance by AgriGuild members at the All-Ireland AGM which was hosted at the Lakeland Dairies Killeshandra facility in Co. Cavan. The cross-border milk processor provided attendees with an in depth look at operations at the plant.

Chief executive of Lakeland Dairies, Colin Kelly told members of the guild that the farmer-owned co-op is going through a “transformation phase” with more of a focus on value rather than volume.

He explained that the co-op’s aim is to continue to process two billion litres of milk per year, but to do so “more efficiently”.

Lakeland also plans to “buy in” value with a focus on internationalisation. Like many other co-ops, Kelly said there will be a need for an increase in finance for sustainability measures.

Killeshandra is Lakeland Dairies’ main food service facility and the second largest operating facility owned by the co-op after Bailieboro, which produces milk powder.

Among the products produced in Killeshandra are milk, UHT, butter, cream, ice-cream, and casein. Airlines and hospitality are large clients for Lakeland’s food service products such as its milk ‘sticks’.

The co-op is investing €17 million euro to bring liquid milk to the Killeshandra facility.