9 Oct12:00 – 14:00Moate, Co.Westmeath, N37 D908

Register for the Open Day!

Text 087 109 7467

Lunch Provided - All welcome!

FARM MANAGEMENT: Two blocks, Two robots

About this Open Day

📅 Date: Thursday, October 9th, 2025

📍 Location: Tom Flanagan’s Out Farm, Moate, Co. Westmeath

Eircode: N37 D908

Discover how Tom Flanagan manages a two-block dairy farm while also running three veterinary practices. Learn how he has built a labour-efficient robotic dairy system that works around his demanding schedule.

This Open Day is ideal for anyone considering robotic milking — whether you’re a new entrant or thinking about converting from a parlour.

As a new entrant to dairy, Tom will share his journey — the highs, the challenges, the valuable lessons learned, whether the switch paid off, the most impactful changes, and what’s next for the farm’s future.

Farm Management in Action

Tom Flanagan began his robotic journey in 2020 with one robot on his home block and, following its success, expanded in 2022 by installing a second robot on his out block. Managing two separate land blocks alongside three veterinary practices required him to put strong systems in place to ensure labour efficiency, herd performance, and efficient grassland management. His experience highlights how effective farm management can make robotic milking work successfully across multiple blocks while balancing significant off-farm commitments.

Key Topics Covered
  • Robotic Milking: Herd performance and why robots

  • Labour Efficiency: Working off farm

  • Herd Health & Breeding: AI, collars, and reduced SCC

  • Grazing Management: Maximising grazing platform

  • Infrastructure & Retrofitting: Setting up for robotic success

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 Tom and the Lely team — offering a unique opportunity to ask questions and get practical advice.