Finnish agriculture is strongly built around the dairy sector, and dairy farms form a significant part of the rural economy. Long distances, variable weather conditions, and a short growing season pose challenges for production, but Finnish farms are known for their high quality and sustainability. ProAgria supports farmers by providing expert services, advisory guidance, and training that promote profitability and responsibility. Cooperation between research, businesses, and producers strengthens the development of the sector and helps respond to future changes such as climate change and market fluctuations. The dairy sector remains central to Finland’s food security and regional vitality. At the same time, digitalization and new technologies improve production efficiency and animal welfare. The role of young farmers is important to ensure that the sector renews itself and remains competitive in the future.
In Finland, production, economic, and crop cultivation data are widely utilized through a team-based farm approach, and digital services are a key strength. Production recording is a system jointly owned by ProAgria, Faba, and Mtech, supporting data-driven decision-making at farm level. Approximately 65% of milk is produced on robotic dairy farms, reflecting challenges in labor availability and high costs.
ProAgria employs around 80 dairy production experts, and a key question is how to effectively share knowledge generated within the national network across the entire expert field. This is supported by an established network of competence leaders that meets regularly and covers all ProAgria centers (8 Finnish-speaking and 4 Swedish-speaking). Their role is to act as knowledge intermediaries, onboard new experts, and ensure information is shared within their teams. Through this structure, knowledge is passed on to clients who expect new solutions and operating models.
A survey conducted within the internal network of ProAgria and its partner Faba highlighted the importance of strengthening the competence leader network and improving knowledge transfer across the organization. Since competence leaders operate in every ProAgria center, information can be distributed effectively across different regions.
The national network has also been developed through events such as the annual Huippuseminar, Finland’s most important dairy sector event. Meeting face-to-face during the seminar was considered valuable. The event included a brief project presentation and discussions on cross-visits and network development. Although it was challenging to ensure wide participation, a successful online kick-off meeting supported the process. Competence leaders provided valuable insights, particularly on what could be learned from international practices, with sustainable livestock production as a central theme.
Networking offers opportunities both to learn from European experts and to share Finnish expertise internationally. However, funding poses a challenge, as the project only covers travel costs for project staff. This raises questions about financing participation in cross-visits and covering meeting costs for others within the network.
Finnish dairy farmers have a strong interest in international knowledge. They are highly educated and eager to learn, which is reflected in the activities of the expert network. The project aims to provide up-to-date information on livestock services and their development. Strong collaboration with partners in Sweden and Denmark is a key advantage, as production systems are largely similar.
A major challenge remains the effective dissemination of information to a large group of experts. Differences in operating practices and the slow pace of change in large organizations can hinder progress, especially in a rapidly changing environment. Nevertheless, the existing competence leader network provides a strong foundation for further development and for improving knowledge sharing across the organization.
