Kilkenny farmers to benefit as Tirlán launches €5m. TB support programme

Tirlán has launched a TB Support Programme to assist its milk suppliers who are impacted by an outbreak of Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) in their herds.

Ireland’s leading farmer-owned co-operative has put in place a €5 million fund to support the Programme, which will offer an optional advance on future milk payments of €750 per cow to milk suppliers that lose over 5% of their herd to a TB outbreak.

This pre-payment will be available for herds impacted in 2025 and 2026 and will be deducted from actual milk payments to the supplier in year two and year three after drawdown.

In the case of new entrants to dairy farming, the programme will be available regardless of the number of animals impacted.
Tirlán Chairperson John Murphy said that Bovine TB outbreaks create significant financial and emotional stress for affected farm families.

“Given the challenges being experienced by a significant number of our farmers, the Board felt that it was appropriate for Tirlán to offer immediate and practical support to our impacted farm families.

“This voluntary programme will provide interest-free cashflow support to those adversely affected by a TB outbreak and will supplement payments available from the State-funded Bovine TB Eradication Scheme,” he added.
Seán Molloy, Tirlán Chief Executive Officer, said that there has been an increase nationally in the number of herds affected by TB and Tirlán is taking a proactive approach to the challenge.
The TB Support Programme will open for applications in late March.