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

Tirlán Co-op, in partnership with Teagasc, has announced a new innovative large-scale knowledge transfer programme called FarmElevate, designed to support Tirlán farm families in enhancing on-farm productivity, sustainability and long-term resilience.

Pictured above in Carlow at the announcement are (L-R) Director of Teagasc Professor Frank O’Mara, Tirlán Chairperson John Murphy, Chair of the Teagasc Authority Liam Herlihy and Tirlán Chief ESG Officer Dr. Lisa Koep. 

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, “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. FarmElevate is a knowledge transfer programme, delivered in collaboration with Teagasc, which will support our members to maximise farm profitability and the adoption of new technologies to increase productivity and sustainability.”

Pictured in Carlow at the announcement are (L-R) Seamus Kearney Signpost Climate Advisor Teagasc, Sarah O’Sullivan Farm Sustainability Development Advisor Tirlán, Thomas Ryan Head of Agri Sustainability Tirlán and Richard O’Brien Regional Manager Teagasc. 

The programme will include seven “Lighthouse Farms” across the Tirlán catchment area, selected for 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, these Lighthouse Farms will be complemented by a dedicated 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.

Frank O’Mara, Director of Teagasc, said, “Teagasc is delighted to extend its partnership with Tirlán through the new FarmElevate programme. This continues a long history of over 30 years of collaboration with Tirlán in joint advisory programmes for the benefit of dairy farmers who are supplying the Co-op. 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.”

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