SEAMUS Daly has been Chief Executive of Drinagh Co-op since January 2021.

This article was featured in our West Cork Farming 2026 magazine – you can read the full magazine here!

After graduating from University College Dublin, he joined the society in 1989 as an agri- advisor.

He was appointed mill manager in 1996 and appointed dairy manager in 2000. 

A native of Drimoleague, he grew up just two miles from the co-op headquarters and farming is in his DNA: his father was a Drinagh supplier, and his brother is a current supplier. 

‘I have been involved in farming in the local community all my life,’ he said. 

Living in Bandon, he’s married to Anna Marie, from Aughadown and they are parents to three adult children. 

THE current milk price, rising cost of farm inputs caused by the war in the Middle East and the threat of bluetongue virus, are the three main challenges currently facing West Cork dairy farmers.

From a longer-term perspective, generational renewal and retaining the nitrates derogation are the two most significant concerns for the industry. 

That’s according to Drinagh Co-Op’s CEO Seamus Daly who is advising all farmers in the region, to consult with their vet regarding the threat of the bluetongue virus which was detected in the south-east of the country in late 2025.

He encourages all farmers to consider vaccination to mitigate against the effects of the disease before the high-risk late spring, summer and early autumn season.

‘It’s spread by biting midges that are active when the temperature is above 12 degrees Celsius. While vaccination does not completely prevent infection, it significantly reduces clinical signs. Given the predominantly spring calving system in our area, any disruption to herd fertility would have a serious financial knock-on effect to milk suppliers. The vaccination cost is approx. €10 per animal, where two shots are administered three weeks apart. Now is the appropriate time for vaccination which is six weeks before the beginning of the high-risk season in May,’ he said. 

MILK PRICES

The current base milk price in the high thirties represents a marked decline from a price in the low fifties recorded in early 2025. 

‘Dairy markets operate on a fine margin and any imbalance in supply or demand will affect prices. Last year we had over supply in all the major milk producing areas in the world which resulted in a decline in world dairy market prices. Supply has remained strong in all areas for the first quarter of 2026 and it will be the second half of the year before we expect to see a correction in production,’ said Seamus. 

Despite these pressures, the markets have begun to stabilise. ‘Buyers see value in the market at the current low prices, and with a fear of security of supply due to the war in the Middle East, they are back in the market,’ he added. To offset the current challenges in the market, Carbery will use its stability fund to support milk price during the year.

‘Cash flow is always an issue for farmers in the first half of the year due to input costs preceding peak milk supply. Drinagh Co-Op is committed to supporting its farmers with credit during these months. The co-operative ethos is built on mutual support. We provide essential credit facilities and farmers have access to our agri advisory team to assist in managing financial and operational difficulties’.

MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT

The war in the Middle East has introduced further volatility for all businesses, including farmers and co-ops themselves, said Seamus. 

‘We had successfully secured fertiliser for our customers prior to the war breaking out, but prices have risen sharply since the escalation of the conflict. 

‘With a fleet of 40 trucks, our fuel expenditure has increased significantly since the war began. We have avoided immediate price hikes for deliveries to our customers, but a prolonged conflict will necessitate a re-evaluation of our pricing structures.’ 

DEROGATION 

The future of dairy farming in the area is intrinsically linked to the continuation of the nitrates derogation. Seamus feels that farmers need more regulatory certainty to allow for long-term investment, particularly in slurry storage.

‘The retention of the derogation is dependent on improvements in water quality. Our suppliers have shown great commitment through programmes like ASSAP, which has improved water quality and will continue to do so going forward’.

Seamus acknowledged that the administration side of farming is getting more demanding: ‘The older generation of farmers in particular can find the paperwork over whelming. The market demands food produced in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. Our agri advisory team is here to assist farmers with the documentation and compliance necessary to meet these environmental standards.’

SUCCESSION

Addressing the long-term viability of the sector, Seamus identifies succession as ‘a critical priority.’ 

‘Young people have many different work opportunities and work life balance is very important for them. This year we have three new milk suppliers, two farmers working on green field sites and a third who has taken over a herd from a retiring farmer. We expect to lose around 10 suppliers this year for a variety of reasons including the absence of a successor. In the past, the remaining suppliers through expansion have compensated for the retiring suppliers. We reached our peak milk supply to date in 2021. Since then milk supply has contracted until last year when milk supply again increased substantially due to the strong milk price in the first half of 2025 and favourable grass growing weather. The early signs for 2026 are promising with milk volumes and milk solids both up in comparison to last year.’

To address the concerns around succession, Carbery is currently formulating a five-year generational renewal strategy.

The initiative will include a full-time resource dedicated to generational renewal on the ground, available to the four co-ops.

This resource in conjunction with the co-ops will advise on different farm structures available to young people including shared farming, farm partnerships, land leases etc. 

‘Young farmers need guidance during their formative years and the Co-Op is uniquely positioned to provide that mentorship.’ he said. 

LONG TERM

To conclude, the future looks positive in the main, Seamus said. 

‘Global population growth continues to drive demand for sustainably produced food.

With our grass-based production system in West Cork combined with the diversity of dairy and nutritional products produced by Carbery, I am confident in a sustainable and prosperous future for the Drinagh Co-Op community.’