Lakeland Dairies rolls out nutrient management app to its suppliers
Lakeland Dairies and Origin Enterprises have started rolling out a new nutrient management tool to the co-op's suppliers.
Presented in the form of a smartphone app, 'Contour Grass' provides a digital nutrient management planning solution for livestock and tillage farmers.
Available now, it is designed to allow farmers to make informed decisions and efficiently meet the nutrient requirements of pasture and silage ground.
Developed by Origin Digital, Contour Grass was recognised as Enterprise Ireland Innovation of the Year at the National Ploughing Championships 2023 as part of the GrassMax grassland management system.
This rollout to Lakeland Dairies suppliers represents its first large-scale deployment to dairy farmers in the Irish market.
A nutrient management plan completed using Contour Grass is eligible for payment for farmers who have chosen the nutrient management plan measure as part of the Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP).Kieran Holden, grassland digital specialist, Origin Digital, said: “Comprehensive nutrient management planning is critical for farmers today, especially as regulations continue to evolve and become more complex.
"It is also a key management tool that supports decision making and cost-effective use of nutrients in driving performance and profitability.
“The Contour Grass app takes care of regulatory requirements in the background, while providing a practical, easy-to-follow plan for how and where nutrients can be applied."
He added: “We are delighted to work with the team at Lakeland Dairies who share our vision to make nutrient management planning simpler and as easy to use as possible.”
'Reduces complexity'
Niall McLoughlin, farm sustainability lead at Lakeland Dairies, commented: “Nutrient management remains one of the most effective ways for farmers to improve both farm profitability and environmental performance.
“By providing clear, compliant nutrient management plans, Contour Grass reduces complexity and supports better on-farm decisions.
“It is an excellent option for farmers who have elected to complete a nutrient management plan as part of the Farming for Water EIP."
He also said that Lakeland Dairies is pleased to work with Origin Digital "to deliver a tool that genuinely supports our milk suppliers”.
The app has been approved by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
