Rhodri Jones
Pen Y Parc, Llanerfyl
Feasibility study for technology adaptation for a low input spring calving dairy farm
In 2018 Pen Y Parc farm joined a neighbouring dairy farm in partnership, this idea gave Rhodri the inspiration to become a solely run operation at Pen Y Parc. Investment in infrastructure was made with a new slurry lagoon, cubicle shed and milking parlour built, and it was fully converted to a low-cost spring calving dairy farm with its first season in 2023.
Rhodri and Sion run 175 majority Kiwi cross cows on a 66-hectare grazing platform with TB currently restricting cow number ambitions. Youngstock are reared on outer farm blocks as well as silage bought in for the herd.
Rhodri and Sion run a simple system but are keen to investigate if technology can offer assistance and improved efficiency and at what rate of return to their current KPI performance for fertility, production, health, metabolic and potential labour saving.
The project at Pen Y Parc will investigate potential Return on Investment of technologies available for farmers running a similar system and specifically which tech will be best for the farm system at Pen Y Parc.
This will include but not limited to the below topics:
Animal Health & Welfare:
- Cow collars
- Boluses
- Tags that monitor heat detection, health and rumination.
Health & Safety:
- Auto drafting gate system
Automation:
- Calf rearing machine/feeders
- Robotic scrapers
- Auto in the parlour (ACRs)
- Footbath
The project will also contribute to the Sustainable Land Management outcomes including:
- Reduced GHG emissions
- Resource efficient
- Clean air
- High animal health & welfare