Preparing for a New Era

Positioning ourselves for a Vibrant and Prosperous Future

With more changes confronting dairy farmers than we have ever faced The Positive Farmers Conference will seek to give guidance on how farmers should respond and what policy to follow in their business over the next few years. 

     This event is sponsored by IRISH FARMERS JOURNAL &  MSD Animal Health

The Positive Farmers Group presents Europe's premier Dairy Farming Conference each year, sharing evidence-based information, resources and experiences that help dairy farmers succeed. Our consistent message of low cost, grazed grass-based systems are always an integral part of each Conference. Our conference topics are carefully chosen to give direction and clarity. 

Global Perspective 

As an organisation, we are watchful of domestic and world developments and how they affect inside the farm gate. With our large network of trusted contacts worldwide, including industry leaders, advisors, and top-performing dairy farmers, we take great care to formulate programmes that address dairy farmers' current and future needs.

We are delighted to be welcoming delegates from all over the world (Ireland, UK, US, New Zealand, Australia, and throughout Europe)

Much More than just a Conference;

The Positive Farmers Conference will address the challenges facing farmers 

It is your best opportunity to network with the largest assembly of focused, high-performing dairy farmers, speakers, industry leaders and scientists. 

What sets the Positive Farmers Conference apart is its ability to address every aspect of progressive dairy businesses, offering an evidence-based, practical perspective to help dairy farmers address the challenges and opportunities that face them. This one-of-a-kind networking event allows all members of the sector to learn from one another. The Positive Farmers Conference is like no other dairy conference.

Build Your Network

Reconnect with friends and colleagues, and make new connections with potential mentors and partners. 

This Conference offers unrivalled networking opportunities allowing you to build your network 
during scheduled coffee breaks, lunches and the Conference Dinner.

Why you should attend?

It is undoubtedly one of the best investments you will ever make.

We are focused to help you make your farm business sustainable, efficient and profitable. We offer expert insight into the constantly changing and challenging dairy industry. Each year we aim for an informative and participative conference with discussions and great networking opportunities.

• Gain the knowledge to capitalise on and further develop your strengths.
• Excellent speakers, evidence-based research, 
• New innovations in the dairy industry are hallmarks of this Conference.
• We have never seen as much change currently facing farmers.

If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you.

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 Schedule Day 1 - Tuesday, 28th June    

 8: 30 -   9:40   Check-In, Refreshments   

 9: 40 - 11:40   Vision for the Future                        
Setting the scene – Michael Murphy - Irish Dairy Farming Leader 

Observations and international insights on some of the key trends that will shape the future of Irish dairy farming

Vision for the future – Dr Laurence Shalloo -  Head of the Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation programme

With so many changes happening in policy and economics, what are the key things Irish dairy farmers need to get right to secure a sustainable and profitable future                                                                                

11:40 - 13:10   Setting a stocking rate that works for me                                                                      

Systems comparison – Dr Brendan Horan - Research Officer - Grassland Science

Barry Bateman & Mike Bermingham - Irish Dairy farmers

The latest science on optimum stocking rate and two farmer insights on how changing stocking rate  led to higher profits, reduced work and a lower environmental footprint

13:10 - 14:10   Networking Lunch  

14:10 - 16:00   Is EBI delivering?  

Dr Frank Buckley - Research Officer, Teagasc, Moorepark - Animal Breeding 

Shane Chambers - Irish Dairy farmer                                                                                                  

What breeding strategies are going to deliver success to Irish farmers? What breeding objectives should farmers have and what’s the best way to achieve these? 

                                                                         
16:30 - 18:00   Overcoming barriers – farming success stories  

Matthew Gunningham - One of Australia's more successful dairy farmers, originally from the UK

Gerry McGuire  - Irish Dairy farmer                                                                                                        

Two inspirational stories from farmers who made big changes to achieve their farming dreams

19:30 - 01:00   Gala Networking Dinner  

Get the chance to meet open-minded, positive farmers from around Ireland, the UK and other parts of the world!

Schedule Day 2 - Wednesday, 29th June   

  8:30 -  9:30     Check-In, Refreshments 

 9:30 - 11:00   People Friendly Farming                                                                                                          

Dr Paul Edwards - Senior Scientist, DairyNZ

Matthew Gunningham - One of Australia's more successful dairy farmers, originally from the UK

Hear the latest science from New Zealand on how 10 milking's in 7 days is achieving similar performance to twice a day milking and how Matthew Gunningham makes his farm an attractive place to work

 11:00 - 11:30     Networking Refreshment break                                                                           

11:30 - 13:00    Successfully Farming Clover              

Dr James Humphreys - Research Officer, Teagasc, Moorepark 

Peter Young - Irish Dairy farmer                                                                      

Scientist and farmer perspective on how we can best incorporate and sustain clover levels in our swards to harness its benefits

13:00 - 14:15    Networking Lunch  

14:15 - 15:15    Key Insights to Managing Change                                                                                         

Nollaig Heffernan - Independent Management Consultant

John Fitzpatrick - former Dairy farmer

Donnacha O'Callaghan - Retired Irish International Rugby Player

Nollaig Heffernan on the key principles we can all use to manage change. John Fitzpatrick on managing the transition out of farming due to health reasons and former Ireland international and Donnacha O Callaghan on transitioning from professional rugby to a new career

15:15 - 16:45    Managing Volatility  

Linda O'Neill - Operations manager & involved in a dairy farm partnership in Co Waterford

Matthew Gunningham  - One of Australia's more successful dairy farmers, originally from the UK\

Other speakers to be announced

 A farmer panel session discussing the key actions they are taking to manage the current volatility and how they are trying to future proof their businesses

16:45 - 16:50   Conference Close  

16:50 - 18:00   Farewell Buffet  

  Keynote speaker    Click to view

  Other Speakers     Click to view 

Booking Options

Attendees can select a day of their choice; however, we strongly recommend attending on both days to get the full benefit from the conference programme

Registration includes entrance to the Conference, morning & afternoon teas, lunch, copy of the Conference proceedings. (pdf format from website) a complimentary Conference end buffet (on Wednesday). 

On booking, you will receive an email confirmation, with a BARCODED TICKET, (bring with you as needed to guarantee entry to the Conference). Your Conference lanyard will be ready at registration.

Conference Networking Dinner  

A fun night, providing an excellent opportunity to mingle with speakers, and industry leaders and network with positive, like-minded people.
Delegates are welcome to bring guests/partners to the Conference Dinner (booking through Conference online system)

Accommodation - Radisson Blu Hotel, Cork. (Conference Venue)

Address: Ditchley House - Little Island, Little Island Business Park, Cork. Ireland

Telephone : +353 21 429 7064 Email: rm.cork@radissonblu.com
GPS Coordinates: 51.905943, -8.357248

Advisable to book your Accommodation early as both the Conference Hotel and overflow accommodation sell out quickly each year.

Please ask for the Positive Farmers Conference rate when booking

More Information on Accommodation Options 

Partners Programme

The two-day Positive Farmers Dairy Conference is recognised as being the ultimate social, networking and fun event for dairy farmers. 
It's a great place to meet like-minded people, speakers and industry leaders.

As part of the Partners Program we have highlighted a variety of award-winning places of interest in Cork and beyond.

Information on what to do, including shopping and visiting the local attractions.

Detailed Directions to Radisson Blu Hotel, Cork  

GPS Coordinates: 51.905943, -8.357248

DISCLAIMER:

The information on the event website is correct at the time of publication. However, the event organisers reserve the right to change information. The event organisers disclaim any and all liability to any person in respect of the consequences of any failure to operate, accident or injury which may occur on services reserved. The right is reserved to add, withdraw or substitute speakers and vary the advertised programme. If the event is cancelled for any reason beyond the organiser's control, there is no right of exchange and no obligation is assumed by the organisers for arranging a substitute speaker. In the unlikely event of cancellation of the event, the liability of the organisers is limited to the return of paid fees and where an event may be postponed and the option of re-attending is not suitable.