We were sitting around the table last week reading the Irish Farmers Journal when Tim read out the death notice of Dan Browne, and so we planned our journey to Waterford. I was filled with a strange melancholy. Dan was 88 and one would say that he had a lot of years lived but knowing him, he had much more to give.

The sadness was more than the death of Dan Browne; it was about the death of an influential generation that shaped our agriculture. When Tim and I started out together, I was fresh out of the Munster Institute where I’d had a grounding in agriculture.

Tim had decided to stay at home farming. There were many seas to be navigated from sailing our own ship together, filling it with our own crew and understanding the stormy seas within and outside the farm gate.

We were involved in Macra and IFA, both important organisations for knowledge and understanding of the industry. Both had political nuances. It was important to network with the businesspeople, to embrace research and to recognise the great contributors to our industry.

Remembering Dan

Much has been written about Dan Browne and all that he achieved. Matt Dempsey wrote a beautiful piece detailing Dan’s accomplishments in last week’s IFJ. Some of his achievements touched us directly on our farm, such as his involvement in the setting up of Moorepark’s Dairy Research Centre which has grown to be one of the best in the world. We have always paid serious attention to the knowledge coming from Moorepark and our farm is better for it.

The sadness was more than the death of Dan Browne; it was about the death of an influential generation that shaped our agriculture.

Dan chaired Bord Bia from 2008 to 2011. During that time, I was on the board and I experienced his ability to lead, direct and manage the board to achieve the best outcomes for food producers and food processors. We travelled to the food industry trade shows, SIAL in France and Anuga in Germany to see Irish meat and dairy produce competing with the best in the world. Some of those trips would be frowned upon now, yet it gave us an understanding of how the marketing of Irish food and drink was undertaken by Bord Bia across the world.

He also did very practical things like getting rid of bottles of water at meetings and returning to the jug and glasses. Many little changes add up to greater movement towards sustainability and profitability. He had an acute business acumen and he worked hard. He gave back to agriculture whenever he could.

All that aside, what I remember is the gentleman that always looked out for me, always included me in conversations, whether it was about horses or the GAA or the goings on in his beloved Cork. Those topics had to be cleared while we assembled for meetings.

Then there were the times that Tim and I met Dan and his lovely wife Kay at various agricultural functions where we shared a few drinks and he told us some great stories about his travels, including hurriedly drinking camel’s milk in order to clench a meat deal. I feel that Dan squeezed the best of enjoyment out of it.

Requiem mass

So, when I speak of the generation that is being lost, I’m thinking of the generation that changed agriculture, guiding us through joining the EEC and managing that transition. They steadied the ship through entrepreneurship, advocating change and making sure agriculture was moving in the right direction and valued.

The basis was scientific research and learning. Many of them influenced me, and Dan Browne was certainly amongst them. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

The Irish Farmers Journal staff and friends were touched to see the paper offered in remembrance of Dan at his requiem mass. He gave his services enthusiastically to the board and was a loyal reader.

My sincerest sympathy to Kay and to all his family, friends and colleagues. May Dan rest in peace.