We recently caught up with Richard Lowe who is a dairy farmer from Adare, Co. Limerick, who shares how the JFC Evolution Automatic Calf Feeder has transformed his approach to calf rearing.
With its innovative design and exceptional support from JFC Agri, this feeder has become an essential part of Richard’s farming operation.
On his farm, Richard and his father George milk 120 cows using farm robotics year-round and manages calves of varying ages.
Since installing the Evolution S4 Automatic Calf Feeder, the past four years feeding calves have become much more efficient during their year-round calving system.
Automatic calf feeder
Each calf is allocated a milk portion programmed to their RFID electronic tag, using a custom feed curve tailored to the calves needs.
The Automatic Calf Feeder’s dual hopper setup allows Richard to feed two different types of milk powder simultaneously, ensuring that calves at different stages of development receive the exact nutrition they need.
“With calves ranging from two weeks to six weeks old, the Evolution Automatic Calf Feeder ensures each one is individually fed with the right portion. It’s so much easier than manual feeding, and there’s no competition between calves,” he said.
This approach not only improves calf growth rates, but also frees Richard from the constraints of manual feeding schedules, allowing more time to focus on herd health and management.
Smart technology for proactive care
The Evolution S4 provides detailed data on calf performance, allowing Richard and his father George, to monitor each calf’s progress. They can quickly identify calves that may be underperforming and adjust their feeding plans accordingly.
“The feeder’s screen gives you all the information you need. You can see how much each calf is drinking and act immediately if something isn’t right. It’s like having an early-warning system for calf health,” Richard said.
This proactive approach to calf care helps prevent issues such as scours or pneumonia from escalating.
By addressing problems before they become visible, Richard ensures his calves remain healthy and strong, all while minimising disruptions to the daily routine.
Saving time without compromising quality
Feeding calves manually is labour-intensive and prone to inconsistencies. The Evolution Automatic Calf Feeder eliminates these imbalances by delivering milk at the perfect temperature and consistency every time.
Its “little and often” feeding pattern mimics the natural behaviour of a calf feeding from its mother, promoting healthier digestion and growth.
“The feeder is consistent and reliable. You’re not rushing to mix milk or guessing measurements. It’s all done for you, and the calves are happier for it,” he continued.
The time saved is invaluable for Richard, who now has more freedom to focus on the overall management of his farm.
Support from JFC Agri
As an Irish company, JFC Agri is deeply committed to supporting local farmers. Richard highlighted its excellent customer service and fast response times as a key advantage.
“If there’s ever an issue, JFC Agri Technicians are just a call away. They’ve never left me waiting and I’m always back up and running quickly,” he said.
Why Choose the JFC Evolution Automatic Calf Feeder?
- Feed calves individually with precision and care.
- Save time and labour with our automated feeding system.
- Enjoy peace of mind with accurate data and early health insights.
- Benefit from exceptional service and support.
“I’m very happy with the Evolution S4. It’s easy to use, reliable, and a game-changer for any farm. I’d recommend it to anyone,” Richard said.
Ready to transform your calf feeding process and invest in farm automation? Contact JFC Agri today to learn more about our Evolution Automatic Calf Feeder and see the difference it can make for your farm.
For more information, please contact [email protected] or call +353 86 8577858.
