Each month, we put the spotlight on a Glanbia Ireland employee and for our November newsletter, we spoke to Joris Somers, Animal Health and Hygiene Manager

Belgium-born Animal Health and Hygiene Manager, Joris Somers, is fondly referred to by many within Glanbia Ireland and among many suppliers as ‘The Glanbia Vet’. He trained in Belgium and worked with the School for Veterinary Medicine in Dublin for eight years before joining Glanbia in June of 2019, taking over from Shane McElroy who held the position for the previous 10 years.
“I came to Ireland for 12 months back in 2011 and the rest, as they say, is history. I’m based out of Kilkenny, but cover the entire Glanbia catchment area. It is a busy but very enjoyable role.

“There are two parts to what I do – the first is very much farm focused and it sees me talking to individual milk suppliers and groups of farmers about various aspects of herd health – animal health and welfare, improving milk quality, herd fertility etc.

“The second part involves me being more Glanbia business focused and keeping pace with legislative changes at a national and EU level. I deal with a number of customer queries and requests on all aspects of animal health and welfare. Follow-up and progression of the animal health and welfare aspects of Living Proof, Glanbia Ireland’s sustainability strategy, is something I am heavily involved with.

“While lots of people working in the farming side of our business would know about my role, newer recruits on the milk processing side are sometimes surprised to know a role like mine exists and only discover this during meetings about potential residues or animal diseases that could impact on product quality or cause contamination of consumer products.”

Lots of Joris’ time pre-Covid was taken up with farm walks, pressing the flesh and attending regional committees across the country. He’s now become a bit of a star of the small screen, sharing tips and advice through the Glanbia Connect YouTube channel on fortnightly Dairyfocus vodcasts and on a myriad of virtual events. His topical insights, tips and advice are also an absolute godsend for suppliers.

Click below to watch the latest Dairy Focus Vodcast released this week…

“It has been great to get back out for farm walks and discussion groups. Getting the information out on time to the right people is crucial and the vodcasts, Farm Focus and the articles on Connect have all been crucial when we couldn’t meet in person.”

When he’s not the smiling, intuitive and informative veterinary face of Glanbia, Joris has his very own fan club at home – a loyal, 15-year-old Jack Russel called Herbie and Pepper, a 5-year-old female Collie who definitely keeps him on his toes.