What secret?

In highlighting shortcomings in calf handling and potential breaches of livestock-transport regulations, the documentary uncovered actions and practices – beyond the farmgate – that are totally unacceptable, that deserve the condemnation they have received, and that demand consequences for those responsible. The dairy sector, generally, and those working within it do not condone such actions, nor do they behave in such a way as to cover up such actions. There is no ‘secret’ here and any suggestion to the contrary is disingenuous and does Irish farmers a grave disservice. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is investigating this matter, which is welcomed by all.

It is also certainly no secret that Irish calves are exported every year. This is a fact of our agricultural system, the same system that produces the beef, the milk, the cheese, the yoghurts, and so on, that we all love to consume, and which costs us not a second thought. It would be great to see some continued, constructive debate on this issue. We understand that there was a prime opportunity for such a debate in a follow-up programme to this documentary. Unfortunately, the Irish Farmers’ Association’s dairy executive, the well-qualified Aine O'Connell, did not have an opportunity to participate in the programme, which would have afforded her debating time with Cork TD, Holly Kearns. Aine was awarded a PhD for her research in milk quality undertaken at Teagasc Moorepark in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin; she lives on a dairy farm; and she is passionate about the sector. It is certainly no secret that we have some of the best and brightest working in our sector, all of whom want the best for the sector, we need to hear more from these, and their expertise, on our national airwaves.