Tirlán vows to support farmers in difficult months ahead
Tirlán Co-op’s farm family suppliers turned out in large numbers, both in person and online, for the Co-op’s Business & Market Outlook 2026 Meeting Series. Management updated suppliers on the latest market outlook, priorities for 2026 and beyond, and outlined the practical supports available as farm families prepare for spring.
Speaking at the Information meeting in across the country, Tirlán Chairperson, John Murphy, said 2025 will go down as one of the best years for dairy farming, with strong milk prices, favourable weather, and milk volumes rising 7% year‑on‑year.
John Murphy highlighted Tirlán’s pivotal role in securing the extension to the Nitrates Derogation, supported by extensive engagement with Irish and EU stakeholders and clear environmental progress on farms. He cautioned that 2026 will be a more challenging year on the dairy front, due to global milk supply and demand dynamics.
“Demand has remained solid but global milk supply is very strong. We operate in a very high-cost environment and we are very mindful of this. But hopefully as we progress, we will see markets improve and green shoots again. We will do our very best to support our farmers. These markets will pass – they always do. We are a Co-op, owned and governed by farmers and we are here to operate for the sole benefit of farmers.”
Tirlán CEO, Seán Molloy confirmed Tirlán farmers delivered record milk intake in 2025. The Co-op placed an additional 40,000 tonnes of dairy ingredients on the market, and ended the year with near‑record‑low stock levels. He stated that despite volatility and tariff uncertainty, the Co‑op closed 2025 in a robust financial position.
“While the year ahead, particularly the first half, will bring its challenges, it is important to recognise that our markets are cyclical in nature and recovery will occur. Tirlán will also do all in its power to help our farmers during this period of market downturn. We enter 2026 on a firm footing.
“Our priority remains to add value to each litre of milk and each tonne of grain. Efficiency and cost discipline remain a strategic priority for our management team. We will continue to pursue opportunities for our investment fund.
“And above all, we will continue to build a Co-op of the future that is progressive, financially strong and farmer-focused, a Co-op that maximises total returns to our farmers and a business that is proud to speak out for our farmers, attract and retain the best talent.”
Sean Molloy said Tirlán paid an average of 54.6 cent per litre including constituents for milk last year, as well as the agri-trade supports available and dividends from the Co-op. When added together, Tirlán delivered an internationally leading total value return to Members, he said. Milk leagues do not include all such payments and therefore, they are not an accurate reflection of the Co-op's actual returns to farmers, he added.
Tirlán remains committed to delivering a strong milk price. “We have already committed to seasonality bonuses for December (5cpl), January (7cpl) and February (5cpl). And our intention is to shortly confirm equally strong support for next autumn and winter milk supplies,” Seán Molloy added.
Chief Agri Officer, Ailish Byrne, reported a strong year for Tirlán Agri, with over 500,000 tonnes of feed sold, major branch upgrades, and continued growth in horticulture and FarmLife categories. She updated farmers on a €5.5 million 2026 Agri Support Package, including feed (€40 per tonne), fertiliser (€20 per tonne) and calf milk replacer (€60 per tonne) supports.
Chief Ingredients Officer, Aoife Murphy, described 2025 as a year defined by global volatility. Milk supply rose sharply across major regions, while retail and foodservice demand softened. Despite this, long‑term fundamentals remain positive, with strong global demand for dairy proteins and favourable demographic and health‑focused trends.
Milk supply was up to record levels last year, Chief Operations & Consumer Foods Officer Jim O’Neill confirmed. The Co-op processed its highest-ever volume at 3.234 billion litres and a peak of 96 million litres per week in May. He noted significant progress at Kilkenny Cheese, with over 90,000 tonnes of continental cheese produced since 2024. He also outlined the major new Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) investment in Ballyragget, which positions Tirlán as a leader in value-added nutrition.