Tirlán has announced that it will extend the timeframe of its support package to help farmers deal with dry conditions and potential drought.

The support available under the measure, which was first announced earlier this month, will now apply to all eligible orders between July 10 and August 15.

The measure originally applied to orders up to August 5.

According to Tirlán, the measure aims to help address the ongoing impact of drought on grass growth and milk production.

The support package offers rebates on agricultural inputs purchased from Tirlán.

A €40/t rebate applies on GAIN dairy feed; €10/t for Irish rolled cereals; €3/t on straight feed; and €20/t on fertiliser purchases.

The rebates are available to all Tirlán milk suppliers, with no cent-per-litre spend requirement. Rebates will be credited to trading accounts in September 2026.

Reasonable usage limits will apply.

The processor said that the ongoing drought in parts of its catchment has reduced grass growth, increasing the need for purchased feed and conserved forage.

"In response, Tirlán has extended the deadline for its support package available to milk suppliers," the business said.

The support now applies to qualifying products ordered between July 10 and Friday, August 15 (before 1:00p.m) and delivered on or before August 19.

Tirlán said milk volumes at processing sites have fallen below forecast levels, while milk protein percentages have declined week-on-week over the past three weeks.

"This support package is designed to help farmers maintain herd performance, support milk production and protect valuable winter feed reserves during these challenging conditions," the co-op said.

In addition to the financial support package, Tirlán said its advisory teams are working with milk suppliers to provide advice on grassland management, feeding strategies and fodder planning.

Tirlán is encouraging suppliers to place final orders before 1:00p.m on Friday, August 15, through their local Tirlán branch, their business manager, or online.

Speaking when the support package was announced earlier this month, Tirlán chief agribusiness officer Ailish Byrne said that the prolonged spell of dry weather has "placed significant pressure on many farms".

"This package will help farmers respond to those challenges while preserving valuable winter fodder stocks," she said.

"Our advisory teams are also working directly with suppliers to provide practical guidance on grassland management and nutrition over the coming weeks," Byrne added.