? General Questions
▸ What is Boyne Valley Farmers Co-Op?
We are a cooperative society of approximately 50 farmers in the Boyne Valley region of Ireland who have come together to negotiate better prices with suppliers through collective purchasing power. We've been operating for 30 years, securing competitive rates across 25+ product categories.
▸ How does the co-op work?
We negotiate tender agreements with suppliers on behalf of all members. Once agreements are in place, members can order directly from suppliers at the negotiated rates using the contact details we provide. You maintain full control over your purchasing decisions while benefiting from group pricing.
▸ Do I have to be a certain size to join?
No. Our co-op welcomes farmers of all sizes operating in the Boyne Valley area. Whether you're a small family farm or a larger enterprise, you'll benefit from the collective purchasing power of our approximately 50 members.
▸ How long has the co-op been operating?
Boyne Valley Farmers Co-Op was established in 1994, giving us 30 years of experience in negotiating favorable terms for our members and understanding the unique needs of farming in our region.
👥 Membership Questions
▸ What does membership cost?
Membership requires a one-time purchase of a cooperative share (which is refundable if you leave) and a modest annual administration fee to cover operational costs. These costs are typically offset many times over by the savings you'll achieve through collective purchasing. Contact us for current membership pricing.
▸ Can I join if I'm not in the Boyne Valley?
Our co-op is specifically designed for farmers in the Boyne Valley region. This local focus allows us to negotiate terms that work for our area and build a strong community of farmers who understand each other's challenges. If you're on the border of our region, get in touch and we can discuss your situation.
▸ What are my responsibilities as a member?
Members are expected to use co-op agreements where practical, participate in decision-making (including attending the annual general meeting), provide feedback on suppliers and products, and support the cooperative spirit. There's no minimum purchase requirement, but the co-op works best when members actively participate.
▸ Can I leave the co-op if it's not working for me?
Yes. Members can withdraw from the co-op at any time. Your membership share is refundable upon withdrawal, subject to the terms outlined in our bylaws. We do ask for notice so we can manage the transition smoothly.
🛒 Purchasing Questions
▸ What products can I purchase through the co-op?
We negotiate agreements across 25+ categories including fertiliser, animal feed, diesel, electricity, insurance, calf care products, maize, recruitment services, parlour sundries, sawdust bedding, culled cattle sales, and much more. The range continues to expand based on member needs.
▸ Do I have to purchase everything through the co-op?
No. You're free to make your own purchasing decisions. However, using co-op agreements when they offer good value helps maintain our collective purchasing power and ensures suppliers continue to offer us competitive terms.
▸ How do I actually place an order?
Once we've negotiated an agreement, you receive the supplier's contact details (phone and email). You simply contact them directly, place your order, and reference the co-op agreement. The supplier handles the rest just like any normal order. Payment is direct to the supplier.
▸ Are there minimum order quantities?
This varies by product and supplier. Our negotiated agreements include details of any minimum or maximum order quantities. We work to keep minimums reasonable and accessible for farms of all sizes.
▸ What about delivery?
Delivery arrangements are between you and the supplier. Our agreements include information about lead times, but you arrange delivery details when you place your order. Most suppliers offer flexible delivery options.
▸ What if I have a problem with a supplier?
First, try to resolve it directly with the supplier. If that doesn't work, contact the co-op. We maintain relationships with all our suppliers and can often help resolve issues. Member feedback also informs our decisions about continuing agreements with suppliers.
💰 Financial Questions
▸ How much will I save?
Savings vary by product category and your purchasing volume, but members typically save between 10-25% compared to individual purchasing. The more categories you use and the more you purchase, the greater your total savings. Many members report that annual savings far exceed membership costs.
▸ Does the co-op take a commission on purchases?
No. You pay suppliers directly at the negotiated rates. The co-op operates on membership fees alone, with no transaction fees or commissions. This keeps costs low and ensures maximum savings for members.
▸ How are prices determined?
We conduct competitive tender processes where suppliers bid for our collective business. The best offers in terms of price, quality, service, and reliability are accepted. Price agreements typically include fixed periods, protecting members from sudden market fluctuations.
🚀 Getting Started
▸ How long does it take to become a member?
The application process typically takes 2-3 weeks from initial contact to full membership. This includes application review, approval, share purchase, and orientation. We try to make the process as smooth as possible while ensuring new members are properly set up.
▸ What information do I need to provide?
You'll need to complete an application form with basic information about your farm operation, including location, size, type of enterprise, and anticipated purchasing categories. This helps us understand your needs and ensure our offerings align with your requirements.
▸ Can I see sample agreements before joining?
We're happy to provide general information about our agreements and demonstrate the types of savings members achieve. Specific pricing details are available to members only, as these are commercially sensitive agreements negotiated on behalf of our cooperative.
Still Have Questions?
If you didn't find the answer you were looking for, we're here to help. Get in touch with us and we'll be happy to answer any questions about the co-op, membership, or how we can help your farming operation.
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