By Business & Finance 
John Harty is CEO and owner of Dairymaster, the dairy technology company founded by his father, Ned Harty, in 1968 and headquartered in County Kerry. Having grown up around the business, he has worked across installation, production, and operations before taking on the CEO role.
By Héloïse Chaudot
What are your main priorities and goals in your role?
My main priority is to ensure we continue to make farmers’ lives easier. Farmers have a lot to contend with, from fluctuating milk prices to uncertain weather, so the solutions we develop must be practical and genuinely useful. Our focus is on innovation that helps farmers produce milk more efficiently, sustainably, and profitably, while also supporting animal welfare and work-life balance.
What are your biggest challenges as CEO?
Balancing rapid technological change with the practical realities of farming is a constant challenge. Farmers need solutions that are reliable, robust, and deliver real returns, not just innovation for innovation’s sake. Internally, ensuring we grow at pace without losing our values, culture, and close connection to customers is something I’m very conscious of.
How do you keep your team and staff motivated?
Empowerment plays a big role. My late father, Ned, strongly believed in trusting people to use their own judgement and in leading by example, and that approach remains deeply embedded in Dairymaster today. We involve people in decision-making, support them in their roles, and give them space to learn and grow. That sense of trust and inclusion encourages people to take ownership of their work and perform at their best.
What are the challenges facing the industry going forward?
The industry faces several challenges, including environmental expectations, rising costs, and the availability of skilled labour. At the same time, global food security is becoming increasingly important as populations grow. Technology will be central to helping farmers adapt to these challenges.
What new trends are emerging in your industry?
Automation, robotics, and AI-driven herd and fertility monitoring are accelerating rapidly. At Dairymaster, solutions such as DairyVue 360, RoboSpray, and MooMonitor reflect this shift. Farmers want technology that integrates seamlessly into daily routines and helps them make confident, informed decisions rather than adding complexity.
Are there any major changes you would like to see in your sector?
I’d like to see continued and stronger support for farmers, along with recognition of the high-quality, nutritious food they produce. Dairy farming is a unique way of life, but it has to remain viable and attractive if we want younger generations to stay in the sector.
As an employer, are you finding any skill gaps in the market?
Yes, we’re seeing skill gaps across several areas. There’s a particular shortage of people with strong hands-on, practical skills, which are increasingly difficult to find. That’s why we invest heavily in apprenticeships, training, and developing talent internally. Bringing new people into the business each year and growing them from within has proven very successful for us.
How did your strategy develop in the context of the banking and economic crises?
As a business approaching 60 years, Dairymaster has experienced many periods of uncertainty from the oil crisis in the 1970s, emigration in the 1980s, the banking collapse in 2008 and more recently COVID-19. Like many Irish companies, we had to be resilient and stay focused on what mattered most, which for us was listening to our customers and continuing to invest in long-term innovation.
How do you define success, and what drives you to succeed?
Success is hearing directly from farmers that what we do is making a difference, better yields, healthier cows, or even just a better work-life balance. Repeat business and long-term relationships, particularly when second and third generations choose our products, are the strongest indicators that we’re doing something right.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given in business?
Don’t be afraid to fail, and don’t be afraid to try new things. One piece of advice my father often shared was: “The person who never made a mistake, never made anything.”
What advice would you give to others starting in business?
Listen to your customer. If you stay close to the people you serve, you’ll make better decisions.
What have been your highlights in business over the past year?
It’s been a very positive year. We’ve continued to expand globally, with major projects across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, but the real highlight is always seeing farmers benefit from the solutions we develop.
What’s next for your company?
We’re progressing Vision 2030, our five-year strategic plan. That includes advancing robotics and AI-powered analytics through DairyVue 360, rolling out new products, strengthening our dealer network, and exploring new markets where demand is growing.
Where do you want your business to be this time next year?
Further along our strategic roadmap, with new solutions established, stronger partnerships globally, and continued alignment with what farmers need most.
What is the best book you’ve ever read (non-business) and why?
Man’s Search for Meaning. It’s a powerful reminder of resilience, perspective, and the importance of purpose during challenging times.
What is your favourite hobby and why?
Hillwalking. It provides time to think, stay active, and gain perspective.
What is your mantra for life?
Contribute positively, treat people well, and leave the world better than you found it.
Read more CEO Q&As:
