Real benefits of a discussion group

By Martin Mulkerrins, Teagasc Advisor

ARE you a new entrant or considering getting into dairy? If so, there is a new entrant group that will meet every second month and support you through that process and help answer any questions you may have. For more information you can contact your local Teagasc advisor or in Galway you can contact keith.fahy@teagasc.ie.

Are you an established dairy farmer and not a member of a group? There is nothing to lose by joining a group but there is a lot to gain. Be that the support you might need to make changes on the farm and make more money, or, equally importantly, to meet other farmers and to enjoy the social element associated with that.

Are you a member of an existing group? It is worthwhile to set personal/group goals, to challenge each other and to “think outside the box”. Thinking of new ideas and new ways of doing things as a group will keep you motivated and make your meetings even more interesting.

Still on the Fence? Discussion groups have been in operation in Ireland since at least the 1980s. Teagasc facilitates over 600 discussion groups in dairy, drystock, tillage and forestry which highlights farmer interest in groups. So what are the benefits of joining, or remaining in, a discussion group? Here are some common benefits:

1. Implementing more Technologies and making more Money: Discussion groups have been proven to be an effective method of increasing farm profitability. In fact, research shows that farmers in established groups implement more technologies and make more money than those who are not in groups. This is very likely due to a combination of a number, if not all, of the points below.

2. The Social Aspect: For many members this would be of equal or indeed higher importance than “making more money”. Being a member of a group will give you the chance to meet with other likeminded people for a few hours a month to share your farming experiences.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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