Tirlán has announced the eight dairy farm families that have been selected as inaugural 'Lighthouse Farms'.

These farms will take part in the new five-year 'FarmElevate' programme developed with Teagasc to help farmers improve productivity, profitability and sustainability through peer-to-peer learning and knowledge transfer.

Tirlán said the farms "reflect the diversity of modern dairy farming" and were selected for their strong farm management, innovation and "commitment to knowledge sharing".

"Together, they showcase strengths in areas including grassland management, breeding, labour efficiency, nutrient management, renewable energy, technology adoption and business resilience," the dairy processor said.

The first farms to take part in the programme are each located in a different county.

The eight inaugural farms in the programme are:

Brian and John Buckley, Glenville, Co. Cork;
Linda O'Neill, Old Parish, Co. Waterford;
Patrick Fortune, Adamstown, Co. Wexford;
Michael and Joe Murphy, Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny;
John Dwyer, Cashel, Co. Tipperary;
Harry and Joe Lalor, Ballacolla, Co. Laois;
Declan and Tina Bollard, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow;
Alan Meade, Slane, Co. Meath.

Tirlán said that the initiative will lead to a "powerful farmer-led knowledge network that helps Tirlán suppliers adopt proven innovations, strengthen business performance and respond confidently to future environmental and market challenges".

"By sharing practical experience and measurable results, FarmElevate aims to support a more profitable, resilient and sustainable future for dairy farming across the Tirlán catchment," the processor said.

The first FarmElevate farm walk will take place on the Wexford Lighthouse Farm of Patrick Fortune near Adamstown (Eircode Y21 R263) on August 6 at 11:00a.m.

Topics on the day will include new nutrient storage requirements, feeding strategies amid current weather conditions, and milk recording.

Commenting on the new initiative and the selection of farms, Tirlán chairperson Ger O'Brien said: "Farmers consistently tell us that the most valuable learning happens when they can see practical changes working on farms like their own. That is exactly what the Lighthouse Farms will deliver.

"Over the next five years, FarmElevate will create one of Ireland’s strongest farmer knowledge networks, helping accelerate the adoption of technologies and management practices that deliver tangible economic and environmental benefits," O'Brien added.

Also commenting, Teagasc director Prof. Frank O'Mara said: "Research shows that farmer-to-farmer learning is one of the most effective ways to drive adoption of best practice, complimenting a good advisory programme.

"The Lighthouse Farms will demonstrate how improvements in areas such as grassland management, breeding and nutrient use efficiency can strengthen both profitability and environmental performance," he added.