Government policy set out targets for the growth of Irish milk production and export value to respond to a fast-growing global demand for sustainably produced dairy products.

Irish dairy farmers and the co-operative processing sector responded to the challenge, growing production, making investment on farms, in processing and in marketing to increase the volume and value of output, and found new export outlets.

There are challenges around sustainability, including climate and labour availability. On animal welfare, farmers care well for all their animals and have a natural empathy with them.

IFA has developed a policy regarding the welfare, economic attractiveness and profitability of calves produced from the dairy herd, for both calf rearers and beef farmers.