Expertise

Dairy consulting

Optimise your dairy business with guidance from our dairy consultants

Dairy production holds significant cultural, nutritional, and economic value around the world. The earliest examples of dairy farming can be traced as far back as 12,000 years ago, and for many communities, the process of raising livestock for milk production is a long-standing tradition. In a modern context, dairy production is a crucial sector within the overall agricultural industry. It contributes heavily to nutrition and food security and figures from the FAO estimate that the dairy sector supports the livelihoods of up to 1 billion people.

While the dairy industry shares some similarities with the livestock industry, the unique process of rearing and managing calves for milk production comes with its own set of challenges and solutions. Dairy farmers must contend with growing demand for milk, all the while considering the health and safety of their animals, and the efficient production and distribution of a highly perishable product. Mismanaged dairy farms can quickly fall foul to poor quality product, contaminants, diseases, and infections. Furthermore, producers are under increasing pressure to reduce the environment impact of the industry, cut out waste, and ensure animal welfare while maintaining profitability in a competitive and fluctuating market.

Download our primary production brochure

Discover innovative ways to enhance efficiency, maximise production, and drive growth.
Farming consulting brochure

Our services

At Farrelly Mitchell, our dairy consultants work closely with businesses at the production, processing, and retail stages of the dairy supply chain. We recognise the pressures that these businesses face in improving their overall efficiency and productivity in line with growing market demands, and we provide actionable insights and tailored strategies to achieve this.

Our dairy consultants blend real world experience with the latest agricultural tools and technologies to provide solutions that are both data-driven and rooted in practical knowledge.

We offer several key supports to dairy farmers, including:

Dairy consulting benefit 1

Strategic planning:

We assist you in developing a comprehensive business plan tailored to your goals, including market analysis, risk assessment, and financial planning for long-term success.

Dairy consulting benefit 2

Herd and feed management:

We provide guidance on best practices in animal health, breeding, and welfare, ensuring your herd remains healthy, productive, and well-cared-for. We also advise on optimal feed composition and nutritional requirements, ensuring your animals receive balanced nutrition for health and productivity.

Dairy consulting benefit 3

Quality and safety standards:

We offer expertise in implementing stringent milk quality and safety standards, advising on hygienic practices and handling techniques to guarantee the safety and quality of your dairy products.

Dairy consulting benefit 4

Sustainable farming practices:

We assist you in adopting sustainable practices, focusing on reducing environmental impacts through strategies like efficient waste management and water conservation.

Optimising dairy production

Fostering operational efficiency, improving product quality, and seizing sustainable commercial growth in the dynamic and challenging dairy industry.

Our expertise

Our recent projects in this sector include, supporting an Irish government agriculture cooperative with an assessment of their dairy farms, revealing how these farms were performing from an efficiency perspective and establishing the means for improving the co-op’s overall milk supply system. Our analysis improved overall efficiency and cash flow management.

Client success stories

Client Success Stories

Integrated Dairy Middle East | Market research and operational analysis

Farrelly Mitchell were engaged to conduct a detailed market research study that would guide the client’s strategic objectives.
Client Success Stories

Ornua | Due diligence and dairy product innovation strategy

The client required a business plan for a Saudi food trading business and start-up cheese processing plant.
Client Success Stories

Aurivo Farm | Milk supplier feasibility study

An innovative Irish government agriculture cooperative required an assessment of the dairy farms under its umbrella.

Frequently asked questions

Explore our FAQ for answers to common agribusiness queries. Can’t find your question? Contact our expert team for tailored assistance.

How can sustainable farming practices benefit dairy farms?

Sustainable farming practices reduce environmental impacts and can increase efficiency. This includes strategies for waste management, water conservation, and sustainable feed practices, contributing to long-term success.

What unique challenges must dairy farmers overcome?

The dairy industry must contend with ensuring consistent milk production quality, managing the health and welfare of dairy herds, and adapting to fluctuating market demands, all while addressing environmental impact and integrating sustainable practices.

How can businesses manage risks and uncertainties in the dairy industry?

Dairy consultants offer risk assessment and management strategies, including market analysis and contingency planning, to navigate uncertainties and ensure business resilience in the dynamic dairy industry. They guide on aspects like herd management, milk quality, and technology integration to improve overall business performance.

What are the current trends in the dairy industry?

Dairy industry trends include a focus on sustainability, animal welfare, and technological innovation. There’s an increasing shift towards eco-friendly practices, adoption of advanced technologies for efficiency, and a growing emphasis on high-quality, safe dairy products to meet consumer demands and regulatory standards.

Featured publications

Insight
4 min read
The opportunity for exporters of dairy products to China is huge. However, the vast majority of the population are lactose intolerant.
Blog
5 min read
According to a British retailer, Waitrose potato milk is set to be one of the biggest new food trends of 2022.
Blog
5 min read
The rise of plant-based milk looks set to continue unabated. As we head into a post-pandemic world what are its prospects?
Video
2 min read
Malachy Mitchell, Managing Director, Farrelly Mitchell discusses meat and dairy exports trends in the Middle East in this Food Navigator feature.
Presentation
2 min read
This presentation provides a checklist to companies who want to expand in the Middle East, by way of our own experience.
3 min read
There will be some clear winners, but many losers as the EU dairy market quota system is abolished, creating an industry that is closer to the New Zealand model
News
2 min read
Farrelly Mitchell has acted as advisors to Al Wazeen Trading, in its disposal of three-quarters of its shares to the Irish Dairy Board (IDB).

Contact us

Contact our team today to leverage our deep knowledge of the dairy industry and receive actionable insights that create value and foster operational and technical improvements for your business.

Trusted by over 100 global clients

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive the latest updates from the agribusiness world, including fresh insights and more, directly in your inbox.

FM Agribusiness newsletter

Get in touch

Our team are ready to help you on the pathway to achieving your goals in food or agribusiness.

This form collects your name, email address and contact number so that Farrelly Mitchell can communicate with you and provide assistance. Please check our privacy policy to see how we protect and manage your submitted data.

Speak with our food & agribusiness experts

Want to call us directly? We’d love to hear from you.
Here’s how you can reach us.
Kieran agricultural planning consultants
Senior Consultant
Unit 5A, Fingal Bay Business Park, Balbriggan Co. Dublin Ireland. K32 EH70
Play Video