Enda Doran from Ballinasloe in Co. Roscommon will host a Fullwood Packo open day on his farm this Thursday, August 18 at 11am.
Enda farms with his wife Michelle and three children Adam, Lauren and Emily in Kilbegly, Creagh
Ballinasloe. They run a mixed farm of dairy, sheep and tillage and also run an agricultural contracting business.
The dairy herd is currently 90 cows and they are hoping to increase to 120 next year. The milk is supplied to Aurivo Co-Op in Ballaghadareen, Co. Roscommon.
From the old to the new
In 2015, Enda and Michelle decided to change their farming system from suckler/beef to dairy. This required them to build a brand new dairy.
They began researching various milking systems. At the Tullamore Show, Enda met with Eddie Quinn of Quinn Dairy Services, a Fullwood Packo dealer.
At Eddie’s suggestion, Enda went to view a nearby dairy farm to see a Fullwood milking system and Packo milk cooling tank to understand the possibilities and benefits of these systems.
Enda knew instantly this was the system for him. He believes they are better quality, made from stronger material and are more technologically advanced than any other systems available.
Enda chose a herringbone parlour as this was the most logical parlour to suit his requirements and quantity of cows. He felt it was the most cost effective for his farm and has previously milked using herringbone systems.
Enda says “from day one Eddie was reliable and efficient, plus he provides an excellent service and is always available for any questions or queries that I have. I highly recommend Eddie to anyone considering to install or upgrade their milking system“.
The milking parlour only takes 1 hour 15 minutes to milk the herd each morning and 1 hour in the evening.
Milk cooling
A Packo 9,000 litre REM direct expansion tank was installed to complete the new setup.
“I am delighted with the cooling tank, it is superb quality and the iControl looks modern and is very easy to use. Packo tanks are renowned in Ireland for their excellent quality so it was an easy choice for me to make”.
Fullwood Packo dealer, Johnny Murphy installed the tank. Enda says the “back up service Johnny provides is second to none”.
Enda decided to install a Fullwood 12 unit swingover herringbone with space for an extra 14 units. Crystal herd management software with auto ID and Hyperclean cleaning system. The remaining space allows for the herd to increase in number without too much additional cost or amendment to the parlour in the future.
For more information contact Eddie Quinn of Quinn Dairy Services on 086 810 9171.
