Tirlán launches FarmElevate Lighthouse Farm network to help shape the future of resilient dairy farming
Tirlán Co-op has announced the eight dairy farm families selected as inaugural FarmElevate Lighthouse Farms, part of a new five-year programme developed with Teagasc to help farmers improve productivity, profitability and sustainability through peer-to-peer learning and knowledge transfer.
The eight FarmElevate Lighthouse Farms are:
- Brian and John Buckley, Glenville, Co. Cork
- Linda O’Neill, Old Parish, Co. Waterford
- Patrick Fortune, Adamstown, Co. Wexford
- Michael and Joe Murphy, Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny
- John Dwyer, Cashel, Co. Tipperary
- Harry and Joe Lalor, Ballacolla, Co. Laois
- Declan and Tina Bollard, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow
- Alan Meade, Slane, Co. Meath
The farms reflect the diversity of modern dairy farming and were selected for their strong farm management, innovation and commitment to knowledge sharing. Together, they showcase strengths in areas including grassland management, breeding, labour efficiency, nutrient management, renewable energy, technology adoption and business resilience.
Launching the programme at the Murphy family farm in Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny, Tirlán Chief Executive Seán Molloy said:
“FarmElevate is about supporting farm families with practical solutions that strengthen profitability, sustainability and resilience. By opening their farms and sharing their experiences, these eight families will help fellow suppliers adopt proven practices and build stronger businesses.”
Tirlán Chairperson Ger O’Brien said the programme builds on the strength of farmer-to-farmer learning.
“Farmers consistently tell us that the most valuable learning happens when they can see practical changes working on farms like their own. That is exactly what the Lighthouse Farms will deliver.
Over the next five years, FarmElevate will create one of Ireland’s strongest farmer knowledge networks, helping accelerate the adoption of technologies and management practices that deliver tangible economic and environmental benefits.”
Teagasc Director Professor Frank O’Mara welcomed the partnership with Tirlán and the opportunity to translate research into practical action on farms.
“Research shows that farmer-to-farmer learning is one of the most effective ways to drive adoption of best practice, complimenting a good advisory programme. The Lighthouse Farms will demonstrate how improvements in areas such as grassland management, breeding and nutrient use efficiency can strengthen both profitability and environmental performance.”
The programme is built around three complementary pillars: the Lighthouse Farms, a network of 200 Elevate Farms receiving tailored technical support, and the Signpost programme which includes Tirlán grain growers. Together, these three pillars will create a powerful farmer-led knowledge network that helps Tirlán suppliers adopt proven innovations, strengthen business performance and respond confidently to future environmental and market challenges. By sharing practical experience and measurable results, FarmElevate aims to support a more profitable, resilient and sustainable future for dairy farming across the Tirlán catchment.
Date for the Diary
The first FarmElevate farm walk will take place on the Wexford Lighthouse Farm of Patrick Fortune near Adamstown (Eircode Y21 R263) on 6th August at 11am marking the beginning of an extensive programme of knowledge-sharing events across the Tirlán catchment. Topics on the day will include new nutrient storage requirements, feeding strategies amid current weather conditions and milk recording.