DairyCo

Research & Development

DairyCo invests in Research and Development (R&D) activities with the sole purpose of improving the efficiency of milk production in an environmentally, economically and socially acceptable way.  It is our aim to have a well balanced research program that addresses industry challenges, enabling innovation, new technologies and knowledge to be easily accessed by dairy farmers.

Although the vast majority of the work commissioned by DairyCo is 'applied' research, where its outcomes are readily implemented by the farmer, DairyCo also invests in more strategic projects that are carried out over longer periods of time and therefore may not deliver outcomes directly for dairy farmers for some years but are still an important component of a dynamic and forward-looking industry.

DairyCo's research is driven by its R&D Strategy.  Additionally, the R&D department provide technical information about issues that may arise on-farm, and identify areas that require further investigation.  The strategy is reviewed regularly with our dairy farmer customers and internal teams.  The feedback from these and external groups such as the England Cattle Health and Welfare Group enable the R&D department to make sure key priorities are identified.

Research Advisory Forum

DairyCo has brought together leading farmers, specialist dairy scientists and international dairy specialists to tackle some of the current and foreseen issues for GB dairy farmers.  This group has the challenge of driving the research strategy in order to deliver real results to these key issues through the DairyCo R& D Team.  To find out more about the Research Advisory Forum click here.

International Links

DairyCo places considerable emphasis on knowing what research, and other farm related activities, are being undertaken in other dairying nations around the globe.  It is therefore vital that, before commissioning any new research, DairyCo identifies current areas where information is lacking, considers previous research and evaluates to what extent its outcomes are suitable for GB systems.  As Government funding of UK research in Agriculture is reducing, it is now more important that we strengthen our ties with other dairy research bodies in order to capitalise on existing knowledge and assess the gaps in knowledge and expertise.  DairyCo has many international links and works with organisations such as the International Dairy Federation (IDF) which brings similar bodies together to explore common issues and share knowledge.

Collaborative research and external funding

DairyCo commissions R&D activities in collaboration with other funding bodies and is an active participant in the Agriculture and Horticulture Research Forum (AHRF).  The AHRF is a Forum providing a mechanism for industry levy bodies to collaborate in the development and integration of appropriate strategic and applied R&D programmes and associated knowledge transfer activities, and to influence Government prioritisation and investment in agri-food research.  It is also where collaborative projects are discussed and funders come together to fund joint commissions. This activity not only stretches the levy funds but also provides input from other sectors that have similar issues, though may approach challenges from different angles.  Making the most of available funds is a major priority for DairyCo and considerable effort goes into sourcing external funds for key projects.

Accessibility

The R&D team works closely with specialists in the Knowledge Transfer team from a very early stage in the research commissioning process.  The purpose of this approach is to ensure that the outcomes of any R&D activity have every potential of reaching as many dairy farmers as possible in a form they can readily apply on farm (business management and cow management).  DairyCo realises that one size does not fit all, so the way in which we deliver the outcomes of R&D is essential in making it accessible to all dairy farmers who can benefit from its results regardless of their production system. Many of these outcomes can be downloaded or ordered from our Library in easy-to-use formats.

Provision of science for those influencing policy

The DairyCo R&D team works closely with key industry lobbying bodies to provide robust science to support them when speaking with Government or other influential organisations.  DairyCo prides itself on the quality of its scientific work and the independent nature through which the work is undertaken.  That is why DairyCo science is respected at all levels and is working in many ways to support our GB dairy farmers.