Date: 22nd of October 2024
Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Farm name & address: 9 Curragh Road, Maghera, Londonderry, BT46 5ER
Farm Fact File:
The Paul family, renowned for their award-winning Slatabogie pedigree herd, has successfully integrated robotic milking to enhance their operations. Since adopting their first milking robot in 2019, and adding a second in 2021, Alan and Leanne have significantly improved their efficiency and production, managing their 110-cow herd with impressive results.
The switch from a labor-intensive parlour to robotic milking has provided the Pauls with invaluable flexibility, especially crucial during the busy showing season. Alan notes, "We can tweak the settings to alter the milking interval, so our show cows are always showing their full potential." This adaptability ensures that the cows are consistently presented at their best while allowing the family to focus on their show activities.
Leanne adds, "It means we can leave early in the morning or come back late without worrying about the cows not being milked," highlighting the peace of mind the robots provide. The herd now averages an impressive 37.1 kg of milk per day, with butterfat content at 4.26% and protein at 3.3%.
The farm’s breeding program is robust, featuring influential genetics such as Cannontown Kite August Red and other high-impact cows like ALH Bertolli Red and ALH Arabia Red. Sexed semen from top providers like Semex and Cogent further supports their breeding goals.
Immediately following the open day, the Paul family will offer a selection of dairy stock for sale. For more details, check their social media pages and local press closer to the event.
Date: 30th of October 2024
Time: 11:00am - 3:00pm
Farm name & address: 110 Larne Road, Ballycarry, Antrim, BT38 9JN
Farm Fact File:
Robert Patton, based in Ballycarry near Larne, has seamlessly shifted from running a successful beef Shorthorn enterprise—recognized as Best Commercial Beef Shorthorn Herd in 2019—to managing a state-of-the-art dairy farm. Alongside his 40-year-old saddlery business, Old Mill Saddlery, Robert has embraced advanced technology in his new dairy venture.
After a meticulous two-year transition period, Robert’s farm now boasts Lely’s cutting-edge robotic systems. He chose Lely for their industry-leading reputation and dependable support, noting, “Lely have the reputation for excellent backup and advice offered before and after installation.”
The Lely Vector feeding system has been pivotal in optimizing efficiency. Robert found it to be a superior investment compared to traditional methods, stating, “We actually found that the Vector had a faster payback than anything.”
Robert's facility is designed for streamlined, one-person operation, incorporating Lely’s Horizon management system, Discovery robot scraper, and Cosmix feed top-up. This advanced setup enhances both productivity and animal welfare, reflecting Robert’s commitment to modernizing dairy farming with precision and innovation.
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All of our products complement each other
Producing high-quality milk requires time and care. It requires healthy and happy cows. It requires making the right choices. Choices that fit in with you and your goals. Our solutions for automatic milking help you make the right decisions for attaining these goals.
Efficient feeding has a positive effect on cow health and milk yield. Mixing the right portions in the right quantities and releasing them just at the right moment requires knowledge, understanding and time. Our products for automatic feeding take on this task and are exceptionally efficient. Saving you time and ensuring the right feed at the right moment.
An animal-friendly and productive environment contributes to optimal cow health and well-being. It also lengthens the lactation cycle. By choosing the best and most comfortable design for the barn with the right resources, you not only improve cow health. Milk yield also increases and costs go down.
Healthy cows are crucial for every dairy farm. A healthy herd contributes to a healthy business. Animal health is a combination of stress-free cows that have enough space and can behave naturally. Also a healthy rumination contributes to the total cow health reducing the risk of diseases and infection.
For dairy farms, competitiveness and responsibility starts behind the barn doors. Lely supports these farms in their ambitions and acts as a link between automation and growth. A cooperation that ensues in a sustainable, profitable and enjoyable future.
Our customer’s data is all over the farm and spread over many parties that visit the farm, supply the farm, or collect from the farm. A digital eco system is emerging and taking from where the voice of our customer will determine the future direction. New sensors, powerful algorithms, artificial intelligence, miniature computers; everything gets connected.