Dairy Careers

Dairy farming in Ireland is changing rapidly. In the six years from 2010 to 2016 an extra 300,000 cows have been added to Irish dairy farms and the industry is still expanding. In 2016, nearly 50% of cows in Ireland were milked in herds of greater than 100 cows. Teagasc expects that by 2025, approximately 6,000 people will be needed to enter the industry as both employees on larger scale dairy farms and to succeed farmers who plan on retiring.

There are exciting opportunities in the sector and with the increased uptake of collaborative farming – you don’t need to own a farm, or even be from a farm to have a successful career in dairying. All you need is the right attitude and an interest in learning the skills that will allow you to succeed.

Check out the videos below for examples of people making an exciting, rewarding and enjoyable career for themselves as dairy farmers in Ireland. #thisisdairying

The Stepping Stones for a Career in Dairy Farming booklet has more information on what farming as a career has to offer and the different career roles that exist on Irish farms. 

No Farm? No Problem! Advice On New Pathways Into Dairy Farming (PDF)

Read the media articles for some further interesting information. 

The Education section of our website has information on a range of Agriculture Education Courses available.

Information on a range of collaborative farming arrangements is available in the Collaborative Farming section.

• Career opportunities in dairy farming

  This short video features six different people who are currently making exciting and rewarding careers for themselves in Irish dairying. .

• #thisisdairying – overview of the Irish dairy industry

  This short inforgraphic video gives background information to the exciting career opportunities that exist on Irish dairy farms

• Ann and David Moore

  Ann Moore from Midleton Co Cork, she really enjoys farming and being her own boss.

• Billy Curtin

  Farming near Waterfall Cork City.

• Danielle Stewart

  Danielle has loved farming all her life and is now farming near Cashel.

• David Connell

  From Rathangan in Co. Kildare, he enjoys the flexibility that farming can give and feels it is an exciting time to be involved in dairy farming.

• Katie Sugrue

  A chartered accountant from County Kerry and now farming in Castlelyons, Co Cork.

• Timmy Quinn

  Farming near Claremorris, Co Mayo, sees farming as a lifestyle but with a business hat.