There was a large turnout for the Lakeland Dairies Summer Farm Event on David Williamson’s farm in Baileborough, Co. Cavan today, Wednesday, July 23.

The Co. Cavan farmer hosted a large crowd of participants as well as guest speakers such as Land Mobility Services’ Patrick Brady, Teagasc dairy expansion adviser Patrick Gowling, and ifac accountants.

Williamson opened by telling the crowd about the farm’s history and explained the recent farm investments he had made.

He is currently milking 200 cows on 113ha, and has been sending his replacements for contract rearing since 2024.

Williamson started farming back in 1989 with 34ha, buying a further 12ha in 1992.

However in 2009, he started to increase his investments, purchasing 10ha in 2009, 11ha in 2010 and starting a lease on 28ha in 2013.

In 2019, Williamson purchased the leased 28ha, and bought a further 12ha in 2022, stating he had to “push himself on” to get here.

He added: “Nobody will do it for you.”

Infrastructure

Williamson’s grazing infrastructure is working well, with sufficient water troughs available, comfortable roadways finished in astroturf, and quality paddocks.

In 2020, the Cavan farmer turned his attention to developing the main yard, with a state-of-the-art cubicle house fit for 240 cows being one of the first builds.

Williamson admitted that, with its open sides, the building is unusual for counties Cavan and Monaghan, but assured farmers it could be snowing and the cows will still be content inside.

Another unfamiliar feature of the shed is the lack of a centre feeding passage to allow for the three rows of cubicle. Williamson feeds silage on the two external lengths of the shed.

Crossovers with water troughs and cow brush

Teagasc dairy expansion adviser, Patrick Gowling, talked farmers through Williamson’s next investment, which was a large shed containing a 40-unit rotary milking parlour.

Williamson admitted that this was the most efficient system to suit his setup, but Gowling reminded farmers that cow flow is as important as the parlour.

To create efficient cow flow, Williamson designed the unit to include a collecting yard large enough to comfortably fit the whole herd equipped with a backing gate.

He also added a drafting gate to the exit race to boost labour efficiency, and added roof lights to maximise natural light.

Susan Casey of Lakeland Dairies talked those in attendance through Williamson’s future planned investment of a calf shed, letting farmers know the specifications necessary to keep young stock comfortable and healthy.

Business structure

ifac representatives discussed business structure as well as managing a farm’s cashflow and tax.

They reminded farmers to ensure they are entering the right business models for themselves, whether it be partnerships or companies.

The consultants said that many farmers go into partnerships to avail of 60% Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) grants, and then get hit with large tax bills.

These farmers often decide to switch to a company set-up, however the father/son in the partnership are generally ineligible to assume the role of director.

The ifac advisers warned farmers to always consult with their accountants before undertaking decisions like these that can affect the business.

There were also free health checks available on site, via the Irish Heart Foundation’s mobile health unit.

Infrastructure

Business structure

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Business structure

Pics: Large turnout for Lakeland Dairies farm event in Cavan