Why the right milk tank matters more than ever – and now is the time to act

Agriland

31-05-2025

As the TAMs 3 grant deadline of June 6 approaches, now is the time to assess whether your milk tank or silo is working hard enough for your farm — or costing you more than it should.
With rising costs and tighter margins, dairy farmers are under increasing pressure to make smart investments that deliver long-term value.
However, one area that often does not get the attention it deserves is milk cooling and storage — yet it plays a vital role in milk quality, energy usage, and ultimately your profits.
Milk cooling: The hidden cost driver
Milk cooling can account for up to 40% of your total electricity use. If your current tank is ageing, inefficient, or undersized, it could be costing you hundreds — if not thousands — every year.
Modern milk tanks and silos, such as those in the Dairymaster SwiftCool range, are designed to cool milk quickly and efficiently, helping to preserve quality.
They also offer intelligent wash systems, tighter temperature control, and better insulation — all of which add up to serious energy savings.
Matthew Workman, a dairy farmer based in Co. Derry tell us, 'The efficiency of the Dairymaster Silo is ten out of ten.
'I have seen a reduction in my energy bills since I put in this milk silo. Previous to this silo, we had ordinary bulk tanks – compared efficiency-wise, this trumps them by far.'
Smarter communication for greater control
Modern milk tanks are no longer just about cooling — they are also about communication.
Having a tank that can connect with your milking system, alert you to issues, and provide real-time performance data gives you far greater control over your operation.
Whether it is temperature-tracking or wash cycle confirmation, this kind of smart communication helps protect your milk quality and prevent costly problems before they happen.
It also means you do not have to be physically present to know your system is working — giving you more peace of mind and time back in your day.
According to Michael and Tom Shanahan from Co. Kerry: 'Our favourite feature is the text messages. If the tank is turned off, you are alerted straight away and you can turn it on.
'It's great peace of mind. You can contact the tank if you're away from the farm to see how much milk is in the tank and if it's cooling properly.'
Rapid cooling to protect milk quality
Efficient milk cooling is essential to preserving milk quality and meeting processor standards — and it starts the moment the milk enters the tank.
The SwiftCool tank is designed to cool milk rapidly to 4°C or below, even during peak flow.
With advanced temperature control, improved insulation, and high-performance cooling systems, the Dairymaster SwiftCool range of tanks ensure that your milk is stored in optimal conditions from the very first litre.
This not only safeguards quality but also gives you confidence in every collection.
John and David Mills from Co. Longford said: 'The tank is very efficient, milk never goes over 4℃ even when you're milking, and when your finished milking, the tank has stopped.'
Clean every time with automated washing
Hygiene is non-negotiable when it comes to milk storage, and a reliable wash system is essential for maintaining tank cleanliness between every collection.
The SwiftCool milk tank features fully automated wash cycles that ensure a consistent, thorough clean — removing residues, reducing bacterial risk, and meeting strict hygiene standards.
These systems are designed to be easy to use and dependable, giving farmers peace of mind that the tank is ready for the next milking without the need for manual intervention.
Michael Kelliher with his Dairymaster SwiftCool milk tank. Source: Dairymaster
According to dairy farmer Michael Kelliher from Co. Kerry: 'When the milk is collected, the driver puts the tank washing and the tank is washed when I come back.
'I don't have to go out measuring detergent, it is all done automatically. The efficiency of the tank is very good.'
Future-proofing your farm
Choosing the right milk tank is not just about meeting today's needs — it is about preparing for tomorrow.
Features like remote monitoring, modular design, and low-maintenance operation ensure that your cooling system can adapt as your farm evolves.
Investing in the right equipment now means fewer costly upgrades down the line and a smoother path as regulations and technologies continue to change.
Thomas McNeill, who has a dairy farm in Co. Armagh said: 'The compressors were running for a couple of hours to cool the milk.
'Now in this silo, we have two 6hp compressors, they're literally on for 20 minutes. This new silo leaves us future-proof.'
Milk tanks built to last
SwiftCool tanks are designed for durability, hygiene, and easy maintenance.
Whether you are choosing a standard tank or a silo for larger volumes and better space management, you can count on Dairymaster's quality build and expert support.
Make the most of TAMS 3 funding
The Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) is offering grant aid on milk tanks and silos – the closing date for applications is June 6.
If you are thinking about upgrading, do not delay – now is the perfect time to speak to our team about sizing, installation, and how to apply for the grant.
Dairymaster provides an extensive range of milk tanks to suit farms of all sizes and requirements.
Whether you are a small-scale operation or a large commercial enterprise, there is a tank to match your needs. Our tanks are available in a variety of sizes and dimensions, ensuring optimal fit and performance for any dairy setup.