The future focus for Dale Farm, the Northern Ireland-headquartered co-op, is “firmly on sustainability which will be pivotal to growth,” according to its group chief executive, Nick Whelan.
In the co-op’s latest annual report released today (Wednesday, October 23), Whelan, highlighted that Dale Farm has launched a ‘Future Strong’ sustainability framework to enable it to “be more sustainable in every sense of the word”.
“It’s not just about reducing carbon footprint but ensuring our farmers’ businesses are resilient and profitable for generations to come,” the group chief executive outlined.
According to Whelan in the last year the co-op also signed an agreement with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) where it committed to setting “achievable, evidence-based pathways” to bring down greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
He praised the response from its 1,300 farmers to the co-op’s sustainability initiatives and outlined details of Dale Farm’s next step which is an on-farm programme.
“As we introduce more digitisation and advanced manufacturing technology to our factories, data will be key to driving productivity and efficiency,” Whelan added.
Dale Farm
The co-op published its 2023/24 annual report today after its Annual General Meeting (AGM) concluded in Cookstown, Co. Tyrone.
High on the agenda during the AGM was an update on the co-op’s £70 million investment in its cheddar processing facility at Dunmanbridge – one of the largest agri-investments in Northern Ireland in recent years – which is scheduled to be completed next February.
Speaking after the meeting, Whelan said: “As a farmer-owned dairy cooperative, every decision we take is about ensuring the profitability and sustainability of our members’ farm enterprises.
“We consistently have a very strong turnout at our AGM, and this year was a record. We value the opportunity to discuss the outlook for the cooperative with our engaged, active membership – and to explore how we can support the farmers who own the business and supply us with quality milk.
Whelan also highlighted in the annual report that in the last financial year Dale Farm recorded a £29.8 million net profit before tax “which equates to 3.24ppl net profit per litre purchased”.
He said the co-op is continuing to pursue growth opportunities so that “we can drive further competitiveness on milk price”.
According to Dale Farm milk volumes fell over the autumn last year but returned to growth from December onwards, “due to an improving milk price versus meal price”.
It also outlined in the annual report that this trend has continued into the 2024/25 season, “despite relentless rainfall which delayed turn out to grass on many farms this spring”.
The co-op stated that while it is in a “strong position” it is also aware of the financial pressure producers are “feeling at present and the challenges we have ahead of us”.
