Aileen Sheehan and Philip O’Leary’s Dairy Farm on leased land, combines science, strategy and passion to provide a blueprint for a new way of farming. Both Aileen and Philip have full-time jobs off-farm, so the operation requires focused efficiency. Teamwork is essential and the couple extols the benefits of having second and third level students as part of the wider team, working effectively and enthusiastically under their guidance. Work-life balance is prized; collaboration and communication are ensured and morale is high.
Strengthening herd genetics is a priority and the farm has an EBI of 227, with replacements at 285. Environmental stewardship is important here: over 90% of the grazing platform has been reseeded to include multispecies swards and red clover. Fertiliser is applied through GPS and protected urea, and slurry is spread, utilising LESS technology. The couple have planted more than 1,800 trees on the farm and use apps to log species. They also monitor water quality in the local stream
