Lakeland Dairies and the agricultural research institution Teagasc have undertaken a joint technical advisory programme to support milk producers with relevant information specific to their needs.  

The sole focus of this Joint Research Programme is to ensure that Lakeland daireis suppliers are equipped with the required knowledge and skills to plan for and to support significant expansion. All future progress must be achieved based on sustainability.  Maximising herd performance from current farming resources is the key to success along with reasonable capital investments where required.

THE THREE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME ARE:

• Improving efficiency of milk production.
• Planning for sustainable and profitable expansion.
• Planning with new entrants to promote a sustainable & profitable move into dairying.

The Lakeland Dairies / Joint Programme background 

The Lakeland / Teagasc Joint Programme uses the findings of locally based research that is relevant to the needs of Lakeland Dairies milk suppliers. 

It includes technical advice on grassland management, improving milk solids, dairy herd fertility, farm management and sustainable expansion, among other important areas.

The joint programme was established in 2013 with a dedicated team of dairy specialists to work with Lakeland milk suppliers in an advisory capacity.

The advisors also provide a planning and technical service to potential new entrants to milk production.

To date, the advisory team have delivered over 150 workshops, farm walks and seminars at local and regional level, including a large scale national open day and land and labour management workshops. Advisors have carried out over 2,700 farm visits. A monthly technical bulletin has also been developed focussing on issues affecting farms on a month-to-month basis each year.

Compared to Lakeland Dairies averages in 2012, when the Lakeland Teagasc Programme started, participating Lakeland farmers have achieved as follows:

• There has been a 16% increase in Milk Solids / Cow.
• Milk protein % has increased from 3.28% to 3.37%.
• Calving Intervals have reduced by 12 days.
• The six-week calving rate has improved by 20%.
• Milk Output has also increased by 50% during this period.

The Lakeland Dairies / Teagasc Joint Programme advisors also provide a planning and technical service to potential new entrants to milk production.