Located in Co. Wexford, the Whelan family dairy enterprise has evolved from humble beginnings into a highly efficient and progressive farming operation spanning three farms and milking 295 cows.

John and Margaret Whelan, together with the family, have spent the last 30 years developing the business.

What began with just 16 cows on a 30ac block has grown into a thriving dairy enterprise that now operates across 77ha with a stocking rate of 3.9 cows per hectare.

Family remains at the heart of the operation. John works alongside his son Steven, who runs the dairy enterprise and is preparing to take over the farm in the years ahead.

Family members Sean, Katie, and Padraig also play an important role, regularly helping out.

A major milking upgrade

One of the most significant decisions made on the farm was the investment in a 50-bail GEA T8500 rotary milking parlour, installed in 2023.

Previously, the herd was milked through a 20-unit parlour that was handling 290 cows.

Milking took approximately three hours per session, amounting to six and a half hours of milking every day.

As cow numbers continued to grow, the family considered extending to a 30-unit parlour.

However, after careful evaluation, they concluded that a rotary system represented the best long-term investment.

The new T8500 rotary parlour has transformed labour efficiency and cow flow on the farm.

Looking back, both John and Steven are convinced they made the right decision.

Steven said: “It was definitely worth the investment.”

The rotary was fitted in a very tight window. Cows were dried off on November 10, with first milking commencing again from of January 23.

Focus on milk solids

Today, the farm milks 295 cows and places a strong emphasis on milk solids production.

Current performance stands at approximately 580kg of milk solids per cow.

A key contributor to improved performance has been the adoption of a feed-to-yield system.

During the first year following installation of the rotary, the farm did not use feed-to-yield technology. Once introduced in the second year, milk solids increased significantly.

According to the family, the additional milk output meant the investment effectively paid for itself twice over.

Looking ahead

The decision to invest in a rotary parlour was driven not only by current labour requirements but also by succession planning.

With Steven committed to the future of the business, the family wanted to build an efficient system capable of supporting the next generation.

From 16 cows three decades ago to a modern 295-cow dairy enterprise today, the Whelan family continues to demonstrate how strategic investment, strong grassland management and a willingness to embrace innovation can drive sustainable growth in Irish dairy farming.

The Whelan family are hosting an open day on Wednesday, July 29 from 11:00a.m to 3:00p.m, welcoming farmers and industry representatives to see the operation first-hand.

Leading GEA rotary milking expert Glen Palmer, from New Zealand, will highlight the key features of the parlour.

There will be industry expert discussions on the day including Tirlan, Grasstec and trade stands to meet suppliers.

Everyone is welcome at Ballgarvan, Gusserane, Co. Wexford, Y34 TF64.

Farm facts

Location: Co. Wexford;
Farmers: John and Steven Whelan;
Herd Size: 295 cows;
Farm Area: 77ha;
Stocking Rate: 3.9 cows/ha;
Milk Solids: 580kg per cow;
Calving Start Date: February 1;
Six-Week Calving Rate: 90%;
AI Season Length: 9 weeks;
Cell Count: 140,000–150,000;
Milking System: 50-bail T8500 Rotary (installed 2023);
Previous Parlour: 20-unit parlour milking 290 cows.