Tirlán has launched a new Milk Solids Growth programme, which aims to help farmers increase milk solids production in a sustainable manner.

Using a farm specific data-driven approach, each Tirlán milk supplier will receive tailored advice that is relevant to their specific herd.

Tirlán chairperson, John Murphy, said that the co-op is investing in the programme to provide farmers with the insights and support needed to optimise grassland management, herd health, and nutrition.

“Herd data shows a huge range in milk solids performance and significant potential for individual farmers to improve their performance by utilising more quality grass and conserved forages in the diet, as well as providing supplementary feeds at the right time," Murphy said.

"We held a workshop with our farmer council last November and increased technical support for farmers was one of the key recommendations," he added.

According to chief agribusiness officer with Tirlán, Ailish Byrne, the initiative will help farmers get more from every litre of milk in a sustainable manner.

“By participating in the Milk Solids Growth programme, dairy farmers can unlock greater efficiency and profitability from their herd," she said.

Key features in the programme include:

A milk solids tracker that is accessible to all Tirlán milk suppliers. The online tool provides efficient monitoring of milk solids performance;
Access to milk solids growth specialists that will focus on maximising output from grass and quality forages, providing tailored advice, and practical solutions to meet farm specific needs;
In-depth insights into milk data, which can act as a key indicator of herd performance.

According to Tirlán, the milk solids tracker contains real-time data, giving a clear picture of herd performance compared to previous years and against targets which have been set by the milk supplier. It quickly highlights when targets are not being met, enabling farmers to take action.

Tirlán said that the personalised data-driven approach of the programme ensures that cows are receiving the best possible nutrition to increase milk solids production and herd fertility.

As well as herd nutrition, the team of specialists also focus on soil nutrition to maximise grass growth and utilisation.

From February 20, Tirlán will automatically send a text alert to suppliers on a Monday and Thursday when their butterfat to protein ratio for the previous seven days goes above 1.4:1.

According to Tirlán, this text will provide suppliers with a prompt indication that their cows’ energy requirement may not be fully met.