In June, the 15-day Young Dairy Network Ireland Study Tour 2025 brought together 24 young dairy industry professionals from South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia, with the aim of exploring how another country approaches sustainability and innovation within the dairy sector.
The group experienced world leading pasture based systems while strengthening cross state connections among young Australian farmers. The itinerary included visits to a range of commercial dairy farms across multiple Irish regions, exposing participants to diverse production systems, climatic conditions, and management approaches.
Highlights included the globally recognised Teagasc Moorepark Open Day, which showcased advancements in pasture utilisation, herd genetics, low emissions farming, and system efficiency; visits to farms ranging from large scale 1,200 cow enterprises to regenerative, multi forage operations and small robotic dairies; and unique experiences such as milking buffalo, working with buffalo calves, and sampling buffalo mozzarella and burgers. The tour also extended beyond dairy to include a heritage potato farm, beef farms, the Irish National Horse Stud, and a seaweed and abalone operation, broadening participants’ perspectives on agricultural diversity and adaptation.
Throughout the tour, participants observed how Irish farmers are balancing productivity with environmental stewardship through strategies such as genomic testing, efficient pasture management and selective breeding to maximise efficiency. These lessons offered practical applications for Australian farming systems, particularly for pasture based operations.
In addition to technical insights, the program incorporated structured team building and reflection sessions, which encouraged knowledge sharing, leadership development and personal career goal setting.
The tour received strong feedback from participants, take home insights included admiration for innovative business operations such as those led by farmer Dara Killeen, new approaches to pasture and young stock management, and the adaptability shown in response to fertiliser restrictions.
Stay tuned for more reports!
