Mr. Tom Canning:

On the technology – I will not delay it – we have seen a fair bit of generational change in the dairy industry, which offers a more sustainable and attractive income source rather than the drystock farmers. The average age of the drystock farmers I deal with in Cavan is 70. It is incredible. Younger farmer are more likely to adopt technologies. I worked in the dairy business with Lakeland Dairies - the former Killeshandra co-op. I have seen huge developments in terms of breeding cows, efficiency, longevity and a cow bred for the place she is being reared. I have seen farmers adopt technologies in respect of reseeding swards and the incorporation of clover. We have even moved towards multispecies sward. However, dramatically, as the lads already mentioned, we have seen massive reductions in chemical fertiliser use here where there is more efficient planning and technology with regard to applying the right fertiliser at the right time. The fertiliser database is welcome. It has focused farmers' attention on this. The most common question I am asked on a day-to-day basis is about what fertiliser can be used this year while staying within the limits. That is critically important.