Farm Profile

Location: Latitude 52°17’N, Longitude 06°30’W, Eircode Y35 FN73. Elevation 55m

Area: 70 Ha consisting of  50ha experimental area, for milking herds a further 20ha used for environmental experiments & rearing of replacements 

Soil Type: The distribution pattern of the soils within Johnstown Castle dairy farm is complex, due to the intricate pattern of the drift deposits from which the soils are derived. The soils range from reasonably free draining Brown Earths to soil with moderate or poor drainage capacity such as gley soils.

Paddocks: 58 paddocks, with further sub-division options

Milking Cows: 140 - 130 on current experiment, plus reserves. Numbers subject to scientific protocol

System: Approx. 65% of the herd are autumn-calving. The calving season typically commences in late September and continues for 11-12 weeks. Cows are housed when target closing farm pasture cover is reached, or as dictated by weather conditions. The indoor feeding programme varies according to treatment, ranging from grass silage, to a total mixed diet incorporating grass silage, maize silage and concentrate. Target Spring turnout date is the 1st February with pasture allowance being determined by spring rotation planner in conjunction with weekly farm covers. All male calves are sold externally or to the Johnstown beef unit, typically at 3 weeks of age, while the heifer calves are reared on a separate section of the farm

Dairy Building Infrastructure

• Milking parlour: 18 unit herring bone with ACR and auto ID
• Winter accommodation- 166-space cubicle shed in 8 divisions 
• Straw bedded calving pens and calf rearing shed
• Silage pits x 8

Farm Map