Teagasc has added to its team by appointing a new dairy knowledge transfer specialist who is set to cover the south-west region.
Emma-Louise Coffey will be based at the Teagasc Moorepark campus in Fermoy, where she will support dairy advisors, dairy farmers and the wider dairy industry to improve both the technical and financial efficiency of dairy farms, according to Teagasc.
It is understood that Coffey will work with the Teagasc dairy and grassland research teams to identify and implement relevant research. She will also work with advisors to develop and expand the dairy advisory programme in conjunction with the dairy specialist team.
Providing support to the Teagasc/Dairygold and Teagasc/Kerry joint farm development programmes and contribute to the development of industry initiatives are expected to be among her other priorities.
Following this, she completed a PhD in Animal Science with Teagasc and UCD. Her studies were based on the dairy herd at Curtin’s Research Farm, Teagasc Moorepark.
Having worked with Dr. Brendan Horan, Coffey carried out a “comprehensive study” to identify the appropriate stocking rate and dairy cow breed in order to maximise productivity and profitability within grass-based systems.
She was also actively involved in open day events at Moorepark and Curtin’s Research Farm.
Dairying in Ireland is undergoing a phase of considerable growth, which presents an exciting opportunity for dairy farmers – albeit in an increasingly volatile production environment, Coffey said.
Improving grassland management, genetics and financial planning can play a significant role in reducing production costs, leading to increased financial sustainability.
“I look forward to working with my advisory and research colleagues at Teagasc, along with dairy farmers and industry partners, to improve the efficiency and profitability of dairy farms in Ireland,” she concluded.