Drumgoon Dairy: The 5 non-negotiables of a resilient dairy business

Discover how Drumgoon Dairy, a world-renowned family-run farm, has built resilience, efficiency and long-term success. This is a unique opportunity to explore the strategies behind one of the most progressive and adaptable dairy operations in the USA.

Owners Rodney and Dorothy Elliott, originally from Northern Ireland, moved to the USA in 2006 and started a 1,400-cow dairy. Over the next 20 years, they grew the business into a multi-barn operation milking around 6,500 cows.

Alongside this, they built a 120,000-head calf ranch that supplies heifers across nine states and partnered to open an additional 5,000-cow unit.

Getting the basics right at scale

Drumgoon Dairy focuses on strong fundamentals, delivered consistently and at scale.

The business combines:

Strong financial management
Robust systems
Clear team structures

They control much of their forage through 2,600 acres, invest in clean energy and run an award-winning reproductive programme.

This practical, structured approach helps the business stay resilient, high-performing and adaptable.

What you’ll learn at the events

Find out how to:

Know your numbers and understand what drives profit
Design a simple, robust system to improve efficiency, consistency and adaptability
Strengthen sustainability in ways that support the environment and business
Get the most from your people by setting clear expectations and accountability
Plan for the long term while staying flexible as markets and circumstances change

You’ll leave with practical ideas to improve efficiency, reduce pressure and make better decisions.

You will also gain a clearer view of where your business is making or losing money, along with simple, actionable steps to strengthen resilience and adapt with as your farm evolves.

Dates and locations

All events will run from 10:30am to 2:30pm.

A light lunch and refreshments will be provided.