February 20, 2008

Irish cooperative launches dairy advisory programme

Ireland's Tipperary Co-Op launched a three-year joint dairy advisory programme in Dundrum on February 5 aimed to improve milk profitability of suppliers in the region.

The 2010 programme will focus on high profitability, technical performance and milk quality of Tipperary suppliers.

Some of the key features of which are the one-to-one advisory service, and targeted workshops, that will cover one dedicated topic at a time.

Focus topics include nutrition, veterinary, breeding milk quality, milk parlour design and dairy profit monitor. Grass budgeting courses, major farm walks and monitor farms will also be provided.

Furthermore, there will be discussion groups, which have proven effective in the uptake of technology transfer and helping suppliers achieve solutions with other suppliers.

Teagasc, the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority, will provide personnel who will ensure that support and back up is given immediately.

Matt Quinlan, chairman of Tipperary Co-op, said the new programme would provide suppliers with access to the latest information and technology while being able to join local discussion groups.