Dairygold and Teagasc have launched a new four-year Joint Programme to support Dairygold milk suppliers in building profitable, sustainable and resilient dairy farm businesses.

The initiative represents a significant investment in the knowledge, skills and future of dairy farming across the Dairygold catchment area.

Designed to provide practical support to all Dairygold Milk Suppliers, the programme will run until 2029 and focuses on four key priorities: strengthening farm profitability through technical expertise and advisory services; enhancing environmental sustainability; supporting succession planning; and enhancing long-term farm viability.

The programme will be delivered through four pillars:

Demonstration Farm Network - featuring eight farms located across the Dairygold region;
Technical and business planning services;
Farm development services;
Discussion group support.

The Demonstration Farm Network will play a key role in showcasing productivity gains on farm and overall best practice.

Suppliers across the Dairygold region will have opportunities to engage through farm walks, workshops, technical consultations, innovation events, videos and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.

Over the next four years, the programme will support improvements for the Dairygold supplier base in areas such as grass utilisation, milk solids production, breeding performance, fertility and overall farm profitability.

It will also help deliver progress in key sustainability areas, including water quality and biodiversity, and provide support for succession planning, young farmers and new entrant development.

Working alongside the programme, Dairygold's advisory team will support the activities and help guide suppliers in implementing the practices and learnings at farm level.

More about our Demonstration Farmers

Aileen Sheehan and Philip O’Leary

Aileen and Philip are farming in Whitechurch, Co. Cork, milking 138 cows in their fifth year of production on a fully leased holding.

In 2025, the herd produced 497kg of milk solids with an EBI of €148.

Aileen and Philip were crowned overall winners of the 2024 Dairygold Milk Quality and Sustainability Awards.

Aileen became the first female winner of the 2025 FBD Young Farmer of the Year award.

Gearoid Slattery

Gearoid is a new entrant to dairy farming, having commenced milk production in late 2024.

He is milking a herd of 126 predominantly Friesian cows, with some cross-bred, on a fully leased milking platform and facilities.

Gearoid has a herd EBI €110 and produced 532 kgs milk solids per cow in 2025.

He will bring a different perspective to the programme as he farms predominantly heavy soils.

Gearoid places a strong emphasis on reseeding and soil fertility, as well as grazing infrastructure, with spur roadways, and a looped water system.

Michael G. and Michael J. Tobin

Michael G. and his son Michael J. Tobin are milking 180 cows on a 61ha platform in New Inn, Co. Tipperary.

The herd achieved a six-week calving rate of 88%, a calving interval of 365 days and produced 506 kg of milk solids per cow in 2025.

While the farm is prone to drought, summer crops such as Redstart, together with plenty of silage, help counteract its impact.

Adrian and David Tanner

Adrian and David Tanner are milking 212 cows on a 65 ha milking platform in Bandon, Co. Cork.

In 2025, the herd produced an impressive 544 kgs of milk solids per cow, with a herd EBI of €156 and a 91% six-week calving rate.

When it comes to reseeding, the goal is to reseed 10% of the grazing platform each year.

Protected urea is the only source of chemical nitrogen on the farm.

Conor McSweeney

Conor McSweeney farms in Aghabullogue, Co. Cork with his wife Noreen.

They have two sons - Donal, who recently completed agricultural college, and Peter, who plans to pursue farming after completing his Leaving Certificate in 2027.

Conor milks 160 cows on a 60ha platform and operates a highly productive and efficient dairy system.

In 2025, the herd produced an impressive 561kg of milk solids per cow, with 4.46% butterfat and 3.72% protein.

Strong fertility performance is reflected in a 90% six-week calving rate, while an EBI of €168 demonstrates a clear focus on genetic improvement and future sustainability.

John, Noreen and Billy Dunne

John Dunne is farming in partnership with his wife Noreen and their son Billy in Ladysbridge, Co. Cork.

They are currently milking 254 cows on a milking platform of 90.5ha, with a 43ha outblock.

Like many farms in East Cork, drought can be a big challenge in the summer months.

In 2025, the Dunne’s produced 520kgs milk solids per cow with a herd EBI of €160.

John, Margo and George Fox

John Fox is farming in partnership with his wife Margo and their son George near Knockadea, Co. Limerick.

They are milking 128 cows on 43ha. In 2025, the herd produced 484kg of milk solids per cow, with a six-week calving rate of 87% and a calving interval of 370 days.

Good roadways providing access to paddocks are a key feature on this heavy-soil farm. The herd has an EBI of €165.

Kieran and Colm Kennedy

Father and son duo, Kieran and Colm Kennedy are milking 300 cows in Buttevant, Co. Cork.

They also operate a second leased unit of 170 cows. The herd is predominantly a black-and-white herd, which produced 544kg of milk solids per cow in 2025 and has an EBI of €175.

In recent years, they have incorporated some Jersey genetics to further improve milk solid production.

Kieran and Colm recently finished second overall in the Dairygold Milk Quality and Sustainability Awards for 2025.