Karl Traynor's Farm Open Day

Join us at Karl Traynor’s Farm Open Day!

📅 Date: Friday, August 29th, 2025

📍 Location: Karl Traynor’s Farm, Ballybay, Co. Monaghan

Eircode: A75 YV82

MAXIMISE PRODUCTION - SINGLE ROBOT, GRAZING FARM

Discover how Paddy & Karl Traynor transformed their family farm into a labour-efficient robotic dairy operation — all while balancing the demands of a busy farm and a full-time job.

This Open Day is perfect for anyone considering robotic milking — whether you're a new entrant or exploring a conversion from a parlour.

Six years into the transition, Karl will share his journey: the highs, the challenges, and the valuable lessons learned. Did the switch pay off? What were the most impactful changes? And what’s next for the farm’s future?

Future-Proof Your Farm

Paddy (Father) milked 50 cows in a 6-unit parlour until 2019, when Karl returned home to take over the family farm. To reduce the daily workload and allow his father to remain actively involved, Karl replaced the parlour with a Lely Astronaut A4 robotic milking system. Since then, he has focused on expanding the herd, maximising robot efficiency, implementing an annual reseeding programme, and breeding more efficient cows. Retrofitting the yard and enhancing the grazing platform have also improved cow flow and grass utilisation.

Robot Power: +100 kg MS Since Installation

Since installation, Karl has optimised the system, improving data use, heat detection, targeted breeding with sexed semen, and extending the grazing season. As a result, milk solids are up by 100 kg, while reducing his father's workload and allowing Karl to continue working off-farm.

Key Topics Covered

• Robotic Milking: Herd performance and why robots
• Labour Efficiency: Two generations farming together
• Breeding Decisions: AI, collars, and data-driven genetics
• Reseeding & Grazing Management: Maximising grazing platform
• Infrastructure & Retrofitting: Setting up for robotic success

 

Special Guest Speakers

We’re excited to welcome expert insights from Lakeland Dairies, who will be joining us on the day and participating in our live Q&A session.

Guided Farm Tours & Live Q&A

Visitors will be guided in small groups around the farm to explore the robotic milking system, grazing infrastructure, and yard setup. The day will conclude with a live Q&A featuring Karl, the Lely team, and Lakeland Dairies — offering a unique opportunity to ask questions and get practical advice from all corners of the dairy industry.