Kinisla and Teagasc have launched a renewed joint dairy programme for a three-year period.

Kinisla said the ‘Innovating for Success’ programme reaffirms a long-standing partnership with Teagasc on the technical performance, profitability and sustainability of its suppliers milk suppliers.

The programme was officially launched at Teagasc Moorepark today (Friday, September 4).

The original joint dairy programme commenced some 30 years ago, and Kinisla - formerly known as Kerry Dairy Ireland - said the renewed programme will continue to provide its milk suppliers with on-farm learning, and access to research and technical advice.

According to the processor, the new programme comes at an important time for dairy farmers, when continued technical progress is "essential to maintaining competitiveness".

The updated partnership with Teagasc is set to place a focus on pasture utilisation; herd genetic merit and fertility; financial management; and labour efficiency.

Kinisla said there will also be an emphasis on supporting farmers in improving water quality, reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity and planning for generational renewal.

The programme will be delivered through three strands: an innovation farm network; dairy business performance workshops, and a resilient grazing systems 'pillar'.

The innovation farms will showcase practices and technologies that can be used as practical examples for the processor's supplier base.

The programme will be closely linked to Kinisla's pre-existing Evolve RegenDairy sustainability initiative.

Commenting on the renewal of the Teagasc partnership, Kinisla director of agribusiness and sustainability James O'Connell said: "Our milk suppliers are at the heart of our business, and this long-standing partnership with Teagasc provides an important platform to support their continued personal and business development.

"We want every supplier to have access to practical knowledge and the opportunity to improve their farm business for the future," O'Connell added.

Kinisla chairperson James Tangney commented: "This partnership has delivered real value for Kinisla milk suppliers over many years. Innovating for Success will help ensure they are well placed to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead."

Joe Patton, the head of dairy knowledge transfer for Teagasc, said: "Constant technical progress is essential if dairy farms are to remain profitable, resilient and sustainable. This programme will help farmers translate innovation into action on their own farms."