Project Type: Improve Farming Productivity and Animal Handling
Grant Awarded: £25,000 Percentage Intervention 40%
Contracted: 2019

The farm's main source of income is derived from the dairy enterprise, which is located at Oak Lodge Farm, where they run a dairy herd of 200 (including youngstock).

They have embarked on the automation of the dairy at Oak Lodge Farm including the installation of 3 x Lely robots with Lely slurry hoovers and have extended and improved existing livestock sheds.

This project ensured adequate housing for the increased number of youngstock, both dairy and beef, to comply with new codes of practice and better facilities for animal health, welfare, long term fertility and longevity.

Staffing these units can be difficult and installing automated feeding stations improve hygiene substantially and a program of vet consultations helps to ensure good health. Also, dairy cows have HDN collars from around 11 months of age, which enables close monitoring.

Project Achievements: Completed in January 2021 and outputs achieved with improved animal management and productivity.