Tirlán launches new farm knowledge transfer programme
Tirlán has said it is launching a new "large-scale" knowledge transfer programme aimed at farm productivity, sustainability and "long-term resilience".
The initiative is called 'FarmElevate', and is a partnership between Tirlán and Teagasc.
The co-op said the programme will focus on "key priority areas" including productivity, animal health, climate action, farm costs and sustainability.
Tirlán said the aim is to support farmers in adopting best practice and new technologies across their businesses.
The programme will include seven 'lighthouse farms' across the Tirlán catchment area, which the co-op said have been selected for strong farm management practices.
The outcomes from these farms will be shared with other farmers through webinars; farm walks and talks; and discussion groups.
Tirlán said these lighthouse farms will be complemented by a new farm support service for development farms, with a focus on areas such as nutrient management, clover establishment, feed planning, breeding, business planning, and labour management.
Commenting on the new initiative, Tirlán chairperson John Murphy said, "Tirlán farm families continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience and ambition in growing and developing their farm businesses.
"We have seen over the years how farmers adapt proven new management practices and technologies when they see them working on other farms.
According to Murphy, the FarmElevate programme will support the co-op's members to "maximise farm profitability and the adoption of new technologies to increase productivity and sustainability".
Teagasc director Frank O'Mara said: "Teagasc is delighted to extend its partnership with Tirlán through the new FarmElevate programme.
"In this programme, we aim to translate research and advisory expertise into practical action at farm level.
"Working in partnership with Tirlán, this programme will support farmers to improve efficiency, sustainability and decision-making, helping to future-proof farm businesses," O'Mara said.
Tirlán said that further details on FarmElevate will be shared with its members in the coming weeks.
Tirlán milk price
Also this week, Tirlán has said it will pay a total of 41.08c/L, including VAT, for milk supplied in February.
The price is based on standard constituents of 3.6% and 3.3% protein.
This price includes a base milk price of 35.58c/L, which is unchanged from the price for January.
The price also includes the Sustainability Action Payment of 0.5c/L for qualifying suppliers.
Finally, the latest milk price also includes the Seasonality Payment, which is set at 5c/L for February supplies that meet quality criteria. This is 2c/L lower than the Seasonality Payment for January milk, which was set at 7c/L.
