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.

According to the co-op, the initiative represents a significant investment in the knowledge, skills and future of dairy farming across the Dairygold catchment area.

The new joint programme, launched on the farm of Kieran and Colm Kennedy, Buttevant, Co. Cork, builds on the partnership between Dairygold and Teagasc, which began in the early 1990s.

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 long-term farm viability.

Dairy

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, and
Discussion group support.

Dairygold said that 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.

The co-op said the programme will support improvements for the Dairygold supplier base in 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.

"At a time when farmers are managing a wide range of economic, environmental and regulatory challenges, access to trusted advice, practical guidance, and the latest research and learnings from our demonstration farms has never been more important," Pat Clancy, Dairygold chairperson, said.

"Importantly, the programme is also focused on supporting the next generation of dairy farmers and helping to secure the future of farming in our region," he said.

Teagasc head of dairy knowledge transfer Joe Patton added: "The programme is focused on providing practical, on-the-ground support based on research and science that helps farmers improve farm performance while meeting sustainability goals.

"It recognises the importance of balancing continued productivity gains with meaningful progress in environmental performance, while also helping farm businesses plan confidently for the future."