Tirlán was proud to host the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI Platform)

We were delighted to co-host the spring meeting of the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI Platform) Dairy Working Group alongside Kerry Co-op from Tuesday 23rd-Friday 26th of April. SAI Platform’s Dairy Working Group takes a comprehensive industry approach to key sustainability issues, incorporating global dairy buyers (including some of our key customers), international processors, retailers and farmers’ representatives, accounting for over 30% of the global milk supply.

The international group, traveling from as far as New Zealand, the US and Europe, gathered in Kilkenny over four days. The week commenced with a warm welcome to the 60+ participants in Abbey Quarter and throughout the week, they enjoyed two Tirlán farm visits. The first visit was to the farm of Tirlán suppliers Bryan and Gail Daniels, where Bryan shared insights into the brilliant sustainability initiatives implemented on his dairy farm. On Friday, they visited the farm of Tirlán suppliers Eamon and Lois Sheehan, showcasing best practices and innovation in herd health and technologies.

Another highlight of the week was the Irish Co-op Farmer Showcase at Kilkenny Castle. During this collaborative event, Tirlán suppliers Gillian and Neil O’Sullivan and Eamon Sheehan, along with suppliers from Carbery, Kerry and Lakeland Dairies, provided valuable insights into how they implement environmental, economic and social sustainability on their farms. Insights from Bord Bia and Teagasc UCD on Irish grass-based dairy and Origin Green were also shared. The showcase concluded with a fantastic panel discussion where farmers candidly discussed their efforts to enhance sustainability on their individual farms, touching on essential topics like farmer mental health and succession.

A massive thank you to all the Tirlán colleagues who contributed to such a fantastic week. Our international visitors left extremely impressed by Tirlán and the collaborative spirit of the Irish dairy industry!