Ireland tour delivers fresh perspectives for young dairy farmers
Twenty-four young farmers from South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania have returned from a recent study tour of Ireland with practical insights, fresh thinking and an expanded network of peers.
Facilitated by Dairy Australia through its Young Dairy Network and supported by DairySA, Western Dairy, DairyTas, SADA Fresh and major sponsor Lely Australia, the tour immersed participants in Ireland’s diverse agricultural landscape.
From dairies and apple orchards to the country’s only purple potato grower, the farmers explored a wide range of enterprises.
Just as valuable as the farm visits were the connections formed within the Australian group and with farmers across Ireland.
South Australian participant, Stephanie Lokan, said one of the highlights was speaking with people who shared the same passion.
“It was amazing to meet fellow Australians and also talk to international farmers,” she said.
“I loved seeing the smaller, productive side of Irish dairy and was fascinated by how these farms are small but profitable.
“It’s been very valuable.”
Western Australia participant Fraser Mahaffey agreed.
“I’ve learnt so much in such a short timeframe. I loved seeing the cultural differences between Australia and Ireland and really enjoyed meeting young farmers from across the globe,” he said.
Participants visited a number of different dairy farms including one run as a partnership – which is rare for Ireland – and a large-scale enterprise that milked 1,200 cows across four platforms.
At Moorepark – Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre – participants explored topics aligned with their own interests and then came together to share what they’d learned.
A highlight was visiting Gillian O'Sullivan, who spoke at Dairy Australia's inaugural Grounds for Growth event in March. Gillian runs a once-a-day milking operation on steep country using multispecies pastures.
Dairy Australia South Australia extension advisor Shannon Logan said the group was impressed by the visit to Gillian’s farm.
“The group loved being able to learn about their unique set-up and were amazed at how they are able to still produce the same amount of milk as cows milking twice a day,” she said.
Another highlight was visiting ex-Olympian and dairy farmer Jamie Costin, who shared insights on grassland management, work-life balance, and people management.
A unique experience for the group was a trip to a buffalo meat and cheese farm, where they tasted buffalo burgers and cheese. Participants enjoyed patting the milking buffalo, seeing the parlour, cuddling calves and even milking on the Herringbone system. They toured the farm’s factory, learning how buffalo cheese differs from regular dairy cheese.
Besides farm visits, the group explored historic sites like Blarney and Kilkenny Castles, joined a traditional Celtic dancing night and stopped at the Guinness Storehouse.
Reflecting on the trip, Shannon expressed how much the group valued the experience:
“We’re very grateful to have been a part of such an amazing experience,” she said.
The 2025 YDN International Tour, which departed in June, is supported by DairySA, Western Dairy, DairyTas, SADA Fresh and major sponsor Lely Australia.
Photo courtesy of Dairy Australia South Australia extension advisor Shannon Logan.