Trench Dairy, situated on the banks of the River Robe in Ballindine, Co. Mayo is a farming partnership between Donal Ronayne and his uncle, Liam Trench. They began milking in 2021, having converted Liam’s suckler-to-beef holding into a modern dairy unit. The 168-strong herd delivered an impressive 551kg of milk solids per cow during 2024 with butterfat at 5.1% and protein at 3.94%. The farm supplies Aurivo Co-Operative.
Technology is utilised to good effect here, with collars, automatic drafting gates and a calf feeder ensuring efficiency. Herd genetics, herd health, nutrition and performance are a particular focus for this farm. With its riverside location, the partners are especially mindful of water quality and have implemented a number of protective measures, including fencing and riparian margins. White clover has been stitched into soil and slurry application is with a trailing shoe.
Farming here is a true family affair: Donal’s brother, a student of Dairy Business in UCD, helps out, while Liam’s daughter, Hannah, is a key member of the milking team, and his sons Aaron and Joe offer machinery expertise and lend a hand as needed.
