Gerard Sherlock: Why I went back to college after a 35 year break

In the first eight months of 2022, milk was in short supply in the main producing regions – the US, Europe and New Zealand. When the product is in short supply, customers get nervous and frantically start buying in case it runs out.

Since August, many milk-producing countries have increased production, leading to oversupply on the market. Customers now have an attitude towards product sellers (our co-operatives) of “keep your product in your warehouse until we need it”.

For 2023, all analysts are forecasting a drop in milk prices. How much is the question on everyone’s lips.

One factor is the ongoing Covid lockdowns in China, which are preventing people from eating out. The sooner they are sorted, the sooner they can buy larger quantities of dairy products from Europe.

I will apply for an exemption for this operation in 2023. I lost a piece of land that I had on long term lease so the only option is a waiver. The number of cows this year will be closer to 90, with the number of young stock also being reduced.

I have a herd test coming soon on the TB situation. Fingers crossed that it will be clear and the restriction notice we have had on the farm since May will be removed.

We also deal with the court succession. The establishment of a registered farming partnership with our son, who has completed his Green Cert, has been tackled.

This will bring new momentum to the farm as it opens up new incentives such as young farmer programs and a plan for the future. We work with our accountants at IFAC who know how to get the paperwork done right.

In September I returned to higher education. I did my Leaving Cert in 1987 and I’ve always wondered will I ever graduate?

In 2021, Dundalk IT offered a part-time Agricultural degree in partnership with Ballyhaise College. They are the only institute in the country that offers this.

I applied in 2022 and was accepted. It is a two year course with two evenings per week – one on campus in Dundalk and the other online.

It’s a commitment big enough because starting next week there will be a few more nights spent doing assignments, homework and studying for exams. I just hope everything goes smoothly in the busy springtime.

The group that makes it consists of farmers (part-time and full-time) and people from the agribusiness.

I am often asked why study? To a certain extent, I see it as the bundling of all my agricultural knowledge and experience that I have gathered over the past 30 years.

In December, three people who influenced me in the development of this farm moved on.

First, my Teagasc advisor, Trevor Dunwoody, switched roles within Teagsasc. He always gave me and many others good advice.

He also did a great job facilitating our discussion group.

Pat Meehan has retired after 46 years of working with three cooperatives: Town of Monaghan, LacPatrick and then Lakelands. Pat was the person you called anytime you had a problem. You were assured of an encouraging response and the issue was resolved.

Then Lakeland’s CEO, Michael Hanley, retired after 36 years at the co-op. I first met Michael almost 33 years ago when we were both founders of the Cavan-Monaghan Leader group.

I remember one of his lines from the supplier meeting and it applies to him: “It takes a good jockey to ride a good horse.”

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Gerard Sherlock farms in Tydavnet, County Monaghan