Majella McCafferty
Majella McCafferty, from Leitrim farming stock and Farm Advocacy Manager at the National Dairy Council (NDC).
Majella’s role advocates on behalf of Irish dairy farmers, working to bridge the gap between consumer understanding and the practices committed to by Irish dairy producers. Her role within the National Dairy Council alongside the team is dedicated to safeguarding Irish dairy’s international reputation and promoting its social license to produce.
Raised on a farm in County Leitrim, earning a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing, specialising in large animals, from Dundalk IT, she was named National Irish Veterinary Nurse Student of the Year in 2015 alongside the overall Enterprising student of the year by the business school for demonstrating leadership and entrepreneurship serving the farming community.
She earned Professional Masters in Business from the Irish Management Institute, Dublin/University College Cork Business School, a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sustainable Agriculture – DKIT /Ballyhaise Agriculture college and a National Business Scholarship from the Global 30% Club in 2021.
As Farm Development Manager at LacPatrick Dairies, she advised farmers on enhancing business efficiency and profitability. She later took on a position with Lakeland Dairies NI before becoming Farm Profitability Specialist with Aurivo Co-operative.
Majella has led programs for young farmers, herd health and women in agriculture, guiding three farms to win the NDC and Kerrygold Milk Quality Awards. She was also a lead in the Teagasc ASAP program and has represented cooperatives and shareholders in national programs, including Animal Health Ireland.
She has worked with various industry stakeholders to develop strategies driving supplier and consumer engagement, fostering cultural change within the dairy sector.
Majella’s chosen topic, ‘Evaluating the Dairy Supply Chain: Linking Production Efficiency to Consumer Behaviour and Market Trends’ will look at analysing the dairy supply chain, focusing on how production efficiency relates to consumer behaviour, market trends, and cultural influences. Her study will provide actionable insights for industry stakeholders to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market dynamics.
