Tirlán has announced the eight dairy farm families selected as inaugural FarmElevate lighthouse farms as part of a new five-year programme developed with Teagasc to help farmers improve productivity, profitability and sustainability through peer-to-peer learning and knowledge transfer.

The FarmElevate programme is built around three complementary pillars: the lighthouse farms, a network of 200 elevate farms receiving tailored technical support and the signpost programme which includes Tirlán grain growers.

These three pillars will create a farmer-led knowledge network that helps Tirlán suppliers adopt proven innovations, strengthen business performance and respond confidently to future environmental and market challenges, the co-op said.

The chosen farms were selected to reflect the diversity of modern dairy farming and for their strong farm management and commitment to knowledge sharing.

These farms will display innovations in areas like grassland management, breeding, labour efficiency, nutrient management, renewable energy, technology adoption and business resilience.

Selected dairy farms

The eight FarmElevate lighthouse farms 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.

    • Launching the programme at the Murphy family farm in Bennettsbridge, Co Kilkenny, Tirlán chief executive Sean Molloy said: “FarmElevate is about supporting farm families with practical solutions that strengthen profitability, sustainability and resilience. By opening their farms and sharing their experiences, these eight families will help fellow suppliers adopt proven practices and build stronger businesses."

    “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,” Tirlán chair Ger O’Brien commented.

    “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.”

    Teagasc director professor Frank O’Mara welcomed the partnership with Tirlán and the opportunity to translate research into practical action on farms.

    “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 said.

    Farm walk

    The first FarmElevate farm walk will take place on the Wexford lighthouse farm of Patrick Fortune near Adamstown (Eircode Y21 R263) on 6 August at 11am, marking the beginning of an extensive programme of knowledge-sharing events across the Tirlán catchment.

    On the day a range of topics will be discussed including new nutrient storage requirements, feeding strategies amid current weather conditions and milk recording.