Graze Dairy in County Kildare, Ireland, has recently invested in upgrading their farm facilities with a new 16-unit DeLaval parlour and a cubicle shed featuring 90 cubicles. Managed by Mark Gray and his family, these enhancements aim to boost efficiency and cow welfare. Despite challenges from rising costs and fluctuating milk prices, the new parlour reduces milking time and the updated handling facilities improve animal management. The farm has also introduced a shop with a milk vending machine to support their investment.
In County Kildare, Ireland, Graze Dairy has recently made significant upgrades to its family dairy farm, spearheaded by Mark Gray. The Gray family’s investments include a state-of-the-art cubicle shed and a brand-new parlour, marking a major step forward in their farming operations.
Graze Dairy’s Recent Investments
Located in Caragh, Co. Kildare, Graze Dairy, managed by Mark Gray alongside his parents, has been focusing on enhancing farm facilities to improve efficiency and productivity. The farm now boasts a modern 16-unit DeLaval parlour with swing-over arms and automatic cluster removers, designed to streamline the milking process. Prior to this upgrade, the Grays were using a six-unit parlour, which required up to three hours twice daily to milk their 97 cows.
The Importance of Upgraded Facilities
Mark Gray, who transitioned from a construction career to farming in 2015, recognized the need to invest in farm infrastructure to optimize cow health and farm efficiency. The new parlour has significantly reduced the time required for milking, addressing issues related to cow welfare, such as long standing times which previously impacted conception rates and milk production.
In addition to the parlour, the Grays have constructed a new cubicle shed with 90 cubicles and 120 feed spaces, located conveniently behind the parlour. This facility has improved feeding efficiency and made the milking process more manageable. The shed includes hydraulic scrapers to handle slurry, further easing the daily workload.
Enhancing Cow Handling and Farm Operations
The farm’s updated handling facilities, including a 360° gate, have also proven beneficial. This equipment simplifies tasks such as dosing, artificial insemination, and health checks, minimizing stress for both animals and farm operators. Mark plans to integrate a three-way drafting unit to streamline cow management even further, enhancing overall farm efficiency.
Building Challenges and Community Support
The construction of the new parlour and cubicle shed was a collaborative effort, with Mark and his family receiving crucial assistance from Jason Cole and his sons. Despite the challenges of rising costs and fluctuating milk prices in 2023, Mark’s dedication and ability to manage much of the construction work himself have positioned Graze Dairy for long-term success.
Farm Shop and Future Goals
In addition to farm infrastructure improvements, Mark and his wife Kate have launched a farm shop featuring a milk vending machine, adding a new revenue stream to support their investments. The farm shop complements the upgraded facilities and aligns with their goal of creating a more efficient and enjoyable farming experience.
The Gray family’s investments in upgrading their dairy parlour and cubicle facilities reflect a commitment to advancing their farming operations and enhancing cow welfare. These improvements not only address current challenges but also set the stage for future growth and success in the dairy industry.
