10 years on from milk quotas: 'Dairy farmers now have middle-class incomes - but not middle-class working hours'

Ireland's dairy output has grown significantly, rising from 4.9 billion liters to 8 billion, presenting both opportunities and hurdles for farmers. The end of the EU milk quota system sparked optimism, often referred to as 'white gold,' suggesting easy wealth for dairy farmers. However, the reality has been complex, with farmers encountering various challenges along the way. This transformation has altered the landscape of dairy farming in Ireland, impacting both the economics and operations within the sector.

A decade ago, as the final hours of the EU milk quota system ticked away, talk of "white gold" filled the airwaves and newspaper pages.

The phrase was meant to capture the vast opportunities awaiting Irish dairy farmers, freed from decades of production limits, yet the journey has been fraught with challenges.

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