That is the focus of the Future Farm Roadshow, which gets underway this week, bringing practical advice, expert insight and real-farm experience to farmers across Laois, Cork and Tipperary.
The three events will give farmers the opportunity to hear directly from industry experts and progressive dairy farmers about the areas that can make the biggest difference inside the farm gate – from breeding and animal health to labour efficiency, technology and financial management.
Building a herd that pays its way
Genetics will be a key focus of the roadshow, with Seamus Hughes of Progressive Genetics at the Laois event and Martin Kavanagh of Munster Bovine in Cork and Tipperary, exploring the theme “Future Generation”.
With breeding decisions influencing herd performance for years to come, the pair will look at how farmers can focus on genetics that deliver a productive, efficient herd capable of contributing to long-term profitability.
A healthier herd is a more productive herd
Animal health is another critical piece of the profitability puzzle.
MSD Animal Health will focus on 'Future Herd', looking at how proactive herd-health planning can support productivity and reduce the setbacks that can quickly erode margins.
For farmers, keeping cows healthy is about more than avoiding disease – it is about protecting performance, reducing unnecessary costs and giving the herd the best opportunity to reach its potential.
Making technology work harder for the farmer
Labour remains one of the biggest challenges facing dairy farmers, making efficiency increasingly important.
Conor Hogan of Teagasc will look at how technology can help farmers make better use of their time and reduce the pressure of day-to-day farm work.
All three host farms have SenseHub Technology installed and will share their own experiences of how the technology has changed the way they manage their herd and farm.
Rather than technology for technology’s sake, the session will focus on how practical tools can help farmers work smarter, make more informed decisions and improve labour efficiency.
Protecting the bottom line
The final piece of the roadshow will focus firmly on the numbers.
AIB will explore 'Future Profit', highlighting the importance of cost control and strong financial management in protecting farm margins.
When input costs are high and margins are under pressure, understanding where money is being spent – and where improvements can deliver a return – is critical to building a resilient dairy business.
Three farms, three opportunities to learn
The roadshow will take place across three progressive dairy farms, giving attendees the opportunity to hear practical lessons on-farm.
Thursday, 13th August – Pat Walsh, Durrow, Co. Laois
Tuesday, 18th August – Seamus, Kieran and Joan Kelleher, Bandon, Co. Cork
Thursday, 20th August – Emma, John and Thomas O’Connor, Cahir, Co. Tipperary
Each event will run from 10.30am to 1.00pm, followed by a BBQ lunch.
For farmers considering how to make their business more efficient, resilient and profitable beyond 2026, the Future Farm Roadshow offers an opportunity to hear what is working on-farm and take away practical ideas that can be put into action.
SHARING OPTIONS