FarmElevate programme announced to support productivity and sustainability on our family farms

In partnership with Teagasc, we have announced a new large‑scale knowledge transfer programme – FarmElevate – designed to support our farm families in enhancing on‑farm productivity, sustainability and long‑term resilience.

FarmElevate will focus on key priority areas including productivity, animal health, climate action, farm costs and sustainability, supporting farmers to adopt best practice and new technologies across their businesses.

Commenting on the announcement, Tirlán Chairperson John Murphy said: “Our farm families continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience and ambition in growing and developing their businesses. Over the years, we have seen how farmers adapt proven new management practices and technologies when they see them working successfully on other farms. FarmElevate is a knowledge transfer programme, delivered in collaboration with Teagasc, which will support our members to maximise farm profitability and adopt new technologies that drive productivity and sustainability.”

The programme will include seven Lighthouse Farms across our catchment area, selected for their strong farm management practices. Learnings from these farms will be shared with fellow farmers through webinars, farm walks and talks, discussion groups and regular Lighthouse Farm updates, supporting practical knowledge transfer across the Co‑op.

In addition, the Lighthouse Farms will be complemented by a new dedicated Farm Support Service for development farms. This service will focus on key areas such as nutrient management, clover establishment, feed planning, breeding, business planning and labour management.

Frank O’Mara, Director of Teagasc, said: “Teagasc is delighted to extend its partnership with Tirlán through the new FarmElevate programme. This builds on over 30 years of collaboration in joint advisory programmes for the benefit of dairy farmers supplying the Co‑op. Through this programme, we aim to translate research and advisory expertise into practical action at farm level. Working in partnership, this programme will support farmers to improve efficiency, sustainability and decision‑making, helping to future‑proof farm businesses.”

Further details on FarmElevate, including participation and next steps, will be shared with our Members in the coming weeks.