Dairy farmers in Fermanagh and Tyrone thinking about using robotic milkers have a great opportunity to see how one farm is using them next week.

Father and son, Leslie and Timothy Andrews from Tattykeeran, near Tempo, who have invested in two Lely Astronaut A4 milking robots on their 190-acre farm where they manage 120 commercial Holstein cows, are hosting an open day next Tuesday.

Flexibility, an excellent back-up service, and a host of management information available at the touch of a button, are just a few of the reasons why they decided to invest in robotic milking technology.

“The robots have been up and running for seven months and we are delighted with the results,” explained Timothy. “We should have made the changes years ago.” “Our old 16 point parlour was 36 years old and in need of modernisation. We also wanted to introduce a third milking to maximise the production capabilities of the herd. Labour is an issue, especially for a third milking, and a new conventional parlour was going to require a lot of building work,” added Timothy who is a qualified mechanic, but has been farming full-time for three years.

After researching the various options available Leslie and Timothy were drawn towards Lely’s market leading Astronaut A4 robot.

“I saw the Lely Astronaut A4 robot at a live milking demonstration at the Livestock Event in 2014, and it was an easy decision. Lely has more than 20 years experience in the design and manufacture of robotic milking technology.

“We were also very impressed with the dedication and commitment of the local sales and service team at Lely Center Eglish. They provided us with invaluable information on shed layout and design, and have been with us every step of the way.” The two Astronaut A4 milking robots are situated side-by-side at the edge of the existing collecting yard. “There was minimal building work required to accommodate the robots, and the whole change over was relatively smooth.” “The cows adjusted very quickly, and they are milking well on the new system. Yields have increased by over 15%, and we are on target for a herd average in excess of 11,500 kilos,” added Timothy who supplies his milk to Glanbia.

Lely’s T4C computer management package allows Leslie and Timothy to manage the cows individually.

Cows are housed continuously and fed to yield, receiving concentrates to a maximum of 12 kilos per head per day via the robots and two Lely Cosmix out of parlour feeders. They also receive TMR which is fed at a flat rate of four kilos per head at the feed fence.

The robot is recording 3.1 milkings per day, with the highest yielding cows in the herd producing up to 60 litres, while heifers are peaking at 45 litres daily.

Lely Center Eglish is staging an open day at Leslie and Timothy Andrews’ farm, 50 Tattykeeran Road, Tempo, County Fermanagh, BT94 3EJ, on Tuesday next, October 20 from 11am to 3pm. Further details from Jim Irwin, Lely Center Eglish, on mobile: 07827 884639.