The 5th Year Agricultural Science students had a fascinating and insightful morning at Drinagh Feed Mill today. The trip offered a valuable real-world connection to the topics they've been learning in the classroom such as animal nutrition, dairy and sheep production, bringing the agricultural industry to life.
The day began with a warm welcome and an engaging introduction from Drinagh's CEO, Seamus Daly. He painted a picture of the Co-op's rich history, tracing its roots back to the vision of local farmers and Fr. John Crowley in 1923. This historical context provided the students with a strong sense of Drinagh's enduring presence and importance within the West Cork community.
Drinagh has 15 outlets throughout West Cork supplying a wide range of products. The Co-Op supply Carbery, whose dairy products are marketed worldwide. Drinagh employ over 300 people in West Cork. They collect 212m litres of milk annually from over 520 suppliers. They have over 2,000 shareholders.
Next, Tim Regan shared his expertise on milk production in the region. He highlighted the significance of West Cork's grass-based system, a cornerstone of Irish dairy farming. His talk also addressed the contemporary challenges facing the agricultural sector, sparking the students' interest in the innovative approaches being explored to navigate these hurdles. This provided a valuable perspective on the dynamic nature of modern farming.
After a short break, where we were all treated to scones, sandwiches, tea and coffee, Donal Murphy then delved into the crucial area of animal nutrition. His informative presentation demystified the contents of each bag of feed produced at the Drinagh Mill, emphasizing the science and precision involved in ensuring optimal animal health and productivity. Score Drinagh Feeds supply a comprehensive range of both ruminant (dairy, beef, cattle & sheep) and monogastric (pig & poultry). This detailed explanation undoubtedly gave the students a deeper appreciation for the role of feed.
Getting to see the feed mill's processing facilities up close was a real highlight. The students were able to witness first hand the impressive scale and technology that goes into producing animal feed.
A big thank you to Donal Murphy for coordinating this trip, Seamus Daly, Tim Regan, and all the team at Drinagh for their hospitality today and for sharing their expertise with our students. This trip provided a truly enriching learning experience, offering valuable insights into the workings of a successful agricultural co-operative and the vital role it plays in our local economy. It's an experience our students will undoubtedly benefit from.
Thanks to Ms. Alison Dullea & Ms. Nóirín O' Brien for organising the trip.
