From Ballyidon, Kinsale, Co Cork, Colm O’Donovan’s farm is a high-output operation, averaging 2.5 milkings per day, with a herd of 97 in 2024. Supplying into Barryroe Co-Op, average milk solids per cow in 2024 was 531kg.
Colm is an enthusiastic supporter of Robotic Milking and uses two Lely Astronaut Robots, pointing to their ability to reduce labour, reduce stress and offer valuable data to the farmer. The insights are useful in terms of animal health, fertility and breeding. In particular, he points to the ability to signal health issues before they become visible.
This farm prioritises increasingly sustainable practices, with year-round nutrient management, based on annual soil tests, the use of LESS equipment, fencing off waterways, maintenance of buffer zones and planting of hedgerows.
