Hannah Dairy Research Conference 2025
Next Generation Dairying Conference 2025
Funded by the Hannah Dairy Research Foundation and supported by the Journal of Dairy Research, Next Generation Dairying Workshops and Conferences stimulate dairy-related research in Scotland and connect researchers and industry globally.
The 7th HDRF Conference will be held on the 24th and 25th November, 2025, in Edinburgh.
KE Workshop - 2025
A Knowledge Exchange Event with a Difference
The Hannah Dairy Research Foundation recently hosted an innovative workshop that brought together farmers, practitioners, and researchers to discuss practical dairy farming challenges and opportunities. Unlike traditional events where researchers primarily present their findings, this workshop flipped the format on its head, fostering an open dialogue led by farmers and practitioners to share their experiences and insights with researchers.
Key Highlights of the Event
The workshop featured an impressive lineup of speakers, each offering valuable perspectives on key aspects of dairy farming:
- David Hamilton, a farmer from Meldrum Farms, shared firsthand insights into the realities of dairy farming.
- Chloe McCulloch, Head of SAC Consulting - provided advice on effective business strategies for dairy farmers.
- Bob Carruth, representing NFUS, contributed a political perspective on dairy farming and its broader implications.
- Derek Kennedy, from Lactalis, addressed topics on milk marketing and processing, offering a view into the industry’s supply chain dynamics.
- Grace Smith, from Carrs Billington, presented practical guidance on feeding dairy cows to optimise health and productivity.
Collaborative Discussions and Future Plans
Attendees actively engaged in vibrant discussions throughout the workshop, sharing ideas and exploring solutions to the challenges faced by dairy farmers today. This unique format not only facilitated meaningful exchanges but also piqued the interest of participants in forming a group to continue these discussions in the future.
This workshop has successfully demonstrated the power of collaboration and knowledge exchange in driving innovation and progress within the dairy farming industry. The Hannah Dairy Research Foundation looks forward to seeing the ideas from this event evolve into impactful initiatives.
For more information or to join the proposed discussion group, please contact the Hannah Dairy Research Foundation: [email protected]
(Photo – Derek Kennedy -Lactalis)
Press Release here.
Next Generation Dairying Conference 2024
Next Generation Dairying Conference 2024
Funded by the Hannah Dairy Research Foundation and supported by the Journal of Dairy Research, Next Generation Dairying Workshops and Conferences stimulate dairy-related research in Scotland and connect researchers and industry globally.
The 6th HDRF Conference, Next Generation Data-Led Dairying will be held on the 18th and 19th November, 2024, in Edinburgh.
Abstract Submission is open (deadline November 4th) for sessions dedicated to short oral communications and poster presentations on any relevant dairying topic.
Plenary speakers
Research Grant Competition 2026
Grant Criteria
The HDRF Small Grant Competition provides funding of up to £27,500, tenable for up to 24-months, for research projects of relevance to dairy farmers in Scotland.
Projects may concern:
- Health and welfare of dairy animals
- Dairy production nutrition and systems
- Agronomy and soil science relevant to dairy production
- Socioeconomics of dairy production
- Milk processing and marketing.
Projects should have a research partner based in Scotland, although in exceptional cases this is not essential.
The closing date for applications is twice a year May and November. Proposals on relevant topics can be submitted at any time, however the Foundation may sometimes specify that proposals in specific areas are encouraged.
Applications should be made by following the details outlined in the Application Guidelines. Candidates should also make themselves aware of the Terms and Conditions of Grant. Applications should be submitted electronically on or before the closing date.
The next call closes Friday 20th February 2026.
Eligibility
Awards are open to postdoctoral scholars (or equivalent) who are ordinarily based at a Scottish research institution, university or are jointly applying with such a body. Applications require the approval of the applicant’s employing institution, but are not limited to those of any particular status (e.g. Lecturer, Professor etc). Co-applicants may be from anywhere in the world, but the Principal Applicant must be ordinarily based at a Scottish Institution. Please note that post-graduate students are not eligible to apply.
Up to a maximum of £27,500.
Grants are tenable for between 1 and 24 months.
All applications should demonstrate that HRDF funds are sought for a clearly defined, discrete piece of research, which will have an identifiable outcome on completion of the HDRF-funded component of the research.
Applications will not be considered for less than £500 and the maximum grant is £27,500 over two years.
Applications for collaborative or individual projects are equally welcome under this Scheme.
Applications from international groups of scholars are welcome, provided there is a Scottish institution-based scholar as lead applicant.
Please note that the funding provided through the Small Research Grant Scheme cannot be used to cover the cost of replacement teaching, payment in lieu of salary, or computer kit – funds are available to the award-holder only for direct research expenses.
The HDRF will assess applications equally on their merits, with no preference as to mode of enquiry.
Applications must be submitted electronically to foundation secretary, Morag Inglis, on [email protected]
The Hannah Dairy Research Foundation supports all aspects of dairy research including the biology, wellbeing of dairy animals, dairy technology and food production.
Next Generation Dairying Conference 2023
Next Generation Dairying Workshop 2023
The main Conference theme was “Next Generation Quality Dairying” and speakers explored how quality can be improved across the entire dairy production chain, focusing on four main topics: quality of life for animals, quality of life for farmers, quality of products for consumers and the environment.
Next Generation Dairying Workshop 2022
Next Generation Dairying Workshop 2022
Funded by the Hannah Dairy Research Foundation and supported by the Journal of Dairy Research, Next Generation Dairying Workshops and now Conferences stimulate dairy-related research in Scotland and connect researchers globally to improve food security.
The COVID-19 pandemic meant that our 2020 Workshop was cancelled and the 2021 Workshop was held as a blended event with most delegates participating virtually. In 2018 and 2019 the Workshops were held at the Moredun Research Institute in Edinburgh, and this year we are delighted to be returning to the Moredun for this, the Fourth of the Next Generation Dairying series of meetings.
What will the Next Generation dairy cow look like?
How will we manage her, especially in relation to her feed and feeding?
Where will we obtain feed protein, and how will we ensure she uses it effectively?
Eminent international scientists and younger researchers from Scotland and beyond will address these issues in afternoon and morning sessions, lunch-to-lunch, with short presentations and posters complementing the plenary talks.Visit the dedicated webpages for more information and to Express Interest
Next Generation Dairying Workshop 2021
Next Generation Dairying Workshop 2021
