Teagasc/Tirlan Future Farm Programme
The Open Source Future Farm Programme is the third evolution of the Teagasc/Tirlán Ireland knowledge transfer programme. It will harness advancements in technology and farm practices to support farmers to make the necessary changes for a profitable and sustainable future.
View participants profiles here
Overview of a 5 year programme in which 11 farms have been identified as Future Farms. The joint Teagasc/Tirlán programme will provide leadership to Tirlán milk suppliers in the context of continued expansion in milk, while promoting sustainable, profitable, enjoyable & safe dairy farm systems
A key objective of this programme is to help farmers implement changes to ensure that their environmental footprint is in line with the aims of the national Climate Action Plan.
There are 11 demonstration farms ranging in size from 120 to 320 cows. The programme is part of the EU-funded Smart Agri Hubs dairy project, with meters installed to monitor and improve water and energy usage. This tool will aid all farmers across the Tirlán Ireland supply base in using water and energy resources more efficiently.
A key priority in the programme will be to introduce digital technologies and practices particularly in the area of labour efficiency. It will provide strong insights for other farmers on streamlining their farming operation to deliver lean management practices, whilst also supporting the health and well-being of the farmer.
Strong emphasis will be placed on soil nutrient management, utilising high yields of quality grass, effective Nitrogen usage and the Economic Breeding Index (EBI) of the herds to help boost productivity.
There will be regular opportunities to see first-hand the advancements through farm walks held on the 11 farms, which vary in size and soil types across the Glanbia Ireland catchment area. They are located in Laois, Waterford, Kildare, Cork, Kilkenny, Meath, Wexford, Wicklow and Tipperary.
Stay tuned to this page where you'll be able to see weekly farm updates on each farm and monitor the farmers progress throughout the programme.