‘Innovating for Success’ Joint Dairy Programme launched by Kinisla and Teagasc
Building on 30 years of collaboration, Kinisla and Teagasc have launched a renewed three-year Joint Dairy Programme, ‘Innovating for Success’.
Officially launched today, September 4 at Teagasc Moorepark by Kinisla milk suppliers, Teagasc and industry stakeholders, the programme reaffirms the long-standing partnership focused on strengthening the technical performance, profitability and sustainability of Kinisla milk suppliers.
Access to practical knowledge
The original Joint Dairy Programme was among the pioneers of peer-led knowledge transfer in Irish dairying. The renewed programme will continue to provide Kinisla milk suppliers with practical, on-farm learning and access to the latest research and technical advice.
Speaking from the launch, James O’Connell, Kinisla Director of Agribusiness & Sustainability, said: “Our milk suppliers are at the heart of our business, and this long-standing partnership with Teagasc provides an important platform to support their continued personal and business development.
“We want every supplier to have access to practical knowledge and the opportunity to improve their farm business for the future. Today’s impressive turnout at Moorepark demonstrated the strong interest among Kinisla milk suppliers in science-led farming solutions,” James O’Connell said.
The importance of technical progress
The new programme comes at an important time for dairy farmers, with continued technical progress essential to maintaining competitiveness. Kinisla milk suppliers have increased output over the past decade, supported by growth in herd size and investment on farms.
The renewed programme will focus on improving pasture utilisation, herd genetic merit and fertility, financial management and labour efficiency. It will also support farmers in improving water quality, reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity and planning for generational renewal.
“The strength of this partnership has always been its practical, farmer-focused approach. The next three years will build on that foundation by bringing the latest research, technology and farm experience directly to Kinisla milk suppliers,” said Nora O’Donovan, Teagasc Kerry Limerick Regional Manager.
Demonstrating leading practices
The programme will be delivered through three key strands: an Innovation Farm Network, Dairy Business Performance Workshops and a Resilient Grazing Systems Pillar. Innovation Farms will showcase leading practices and technologies, providing practical examples that can be shared across the wider supplier base.
The programme will link closely with Teagasc’s GROdairy project to demonstrate innovative farm succession business structures. Working closely with the Kinisla Evolve RegenDairy programme, the Joint Dairy Programme will provide a series of technical workshops and individual farm consultations. It will also collaborate with the Signpost Programme, Better Farming for Water and ASSAP to support suppliers in their efforts to enhance farm environmental sustainability.
Commenting of the renewed Joint Programme, James Tangney, Chairman of Kinisla, added: “This partnership has delivered real value for Kinisla milk suppliers over many years. Innovating for Success will help ensure they are well placed to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead”
Joe Patton, Head of Teagasc Dairy Knowledge Transfer, added: “Constant technical progress is essential if dairy farms are to remain profitable, resilient and sustainable. This programme will help farmers translate innovation into action on their own farms. The participation of the Innovation Farmers is vital to the programme, and we are very grateful to them for sharing their knowledge and expertise with their Kinisla milk supplier peers.”