VistaMilk, Ireland’s world-leading SFI Research Centre for pasture-based dairy farming, does ground-breaking work in agri-tech and dairy science. But like many research organisations, it faced a challenge: how to take highly technical projects and make them interesting and accessible to people outside the lab – from policymakers, industry leaders, and farmers, to the media and general public.

Starting in 2022, 4TC worked hand-in-hand with VistaMilk to create a lively communications programme that turned complex research into stories people could relate to. We brought to life projects like the “Tinder for Cows” breeding tool, “dairy drones” that monitor grass growth, animal health patches, soil sensors, and new approaches to cutting methane emissions.

These stories didn’t just stay within the science community – they grabbed headlines in national and regional media, sparked radio interviews, and got people talking.

We also helped VistaMilk’s own researchers find their voice – developing a What’s The Story? Communication Masterclass at UCC to provide scientists with the skills to share their work with wider, non-technical audiences. The event pulled in around 150 delegates and plenty of positive feedback.

Most importantly, we helped VistaMilk plan for the future by drafting the communications strategy for VistaMilk II (2024–2030) – the second phase of the research programme – ensuring a strong platform for the centre’s long-term communications and stakeholder engagement.