Kinisla and Teagasc have launched a renewed three-year joint dairy programme called ‘Innovating for Success’.

The original joint dairy programme was among the pioneers of peer-led knowledge transfer in Irish dairying.

Building on a partnership that spans more than 30 years, the renewed programme will continue to provide Kinisla milk suppliers with practical on-farm learning and access to the latest research and technical advice.

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Supporting farmers

Kinisla milk suppliers have increased output over the past decade, supported by growth in herd size and investment on farms.

With a focus on improving pasture utilisation, herd genetic merit and fertility, financial management and labour efficiency, the programme will also support farmers in improving water quality, reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity and planning for generational renewal.

It will be delivered through three key strands: an innovation farm network, dairy business performance workshops and a resilient grazing systems pillar.

Innovation farms will showcase leading practices and technologies, providing practical examples that can be shared across the wider supplier base.

Technical workshops and farm consultations

The programme will link closely with Teagasc's GROdairy project to demonstrate innovative farm succession business structures.

Working closely with the Kinisla Evolve RegenDairy programme, the joint dairy programme will provide a series of technical workshops and individual farm consultations.

It will also collaborate with the Signpost programme, Better Farming for Water and ASSAP to support suppliers in their efforts to enhance farm environmental sustainability.

Kinisla director of agribusiness and sustainability James O'Connell said: "Our milk suppliers are at the heart of our business and this long-standing partnership with Teagasc provides an important platform to support their continued personal and business development.

"We want every supplier to have access to practical knowledge and the opportunity to improve their farm business for the future."

Head of Teagasc dairy knowledge transfer Joe Patton added: "Constant technical progress is essential if dairy farms are to remain profitable, resilient and sustainable. This programme will help farmers translate innovation into action on their own farms.

"The participation of the innovation farmers is vital to the programme and we are very grateful to them for sharing their knowledge and expertise with their Kinisla milk supplier peers."