Lely Robots, genetics & grazing key to profitability on West Cork farm

For Gavin Forde, farming with the help of his family in Ballinadee Co.Cork making the switch to robotic milking in 2020 was more than just about improving efficiency—it was about securing the future of his farm. With 69 spring-calving cows and a young family, and busy off farm career, the Lely Astronaut A5 has allowed him to balance work, family, and farming like never before.

“My two best investments were “EBI and the robot,” says Gavin. “The robot made it possible for me to keep farming, continue investing, and know that if I ever decide to go farming full-time, I have that option.”

Labour Savings & Efficiency

Before installing the Astronaut A5, Gavin relied on hired labour, which was both expensive and difficult to find. “Due to off farm work commitments I needed very reliable and dependable hired labour. I was looking for over a year to find the right person, however,when I saw robots in action, I thought—why bother looking? The robot would pay for itself in five years, compared to the premium cost of good labour.”

With the Astronaut A5, Gavin saves at least two hours per day. “In spring, I’ve got it down to just 30 minutes per cow—calving the cow first miking iodine on the navel and  four litres of colostrum to the calf—everything is streamlined. Previously I used to dread the spring workload now I love when a cow calves—it’s easy, it’s done. No stress.”

One of Gavin’s favourite features is his separation area and also the information given by the robot. “The system will identify the cows I need to check, and alert me to an issue before they even show signs, and the separation is fantastic if a cow needs attention. If they are bulling, the system will automatically draft them, or if I want to dose a few I just input the numbers and set them to draft. Before, in the parlour, it was a hassle. Now, everything is simpler, faster, and more controlled.”

Herd health management has also benefited, as has the ability to manage milk withdrawals.

“This spring because of my compact calving , on some days I had over 20 cows on milk withdrawal. With transition milk the robot is pre programmed to separate this milk. Not having to worry about this stuff really frees up your mind for other tasks - it doesn’t bother me because the robot will do it for me once I have inputted the information. In the parlour, it would have been tough”

Infrastructure & Water Quality

Gavin’s farm includes a 70-acre grazing block. Milking 69 cows delivering 534kgs ms/cow with a 359 day calving interval - the 6 week calving rate is an impressive 92% He has also made important environmental improvements, such as bunding the laneway for water quality and moving water troughs 20 meters from water courses for better environmental management.

A Worthwhile Investment

For Gavin, the Lely Astronaut A5 has been a game-changer. “It’s given me time, flexibility, and efficiency—all while ensuring the farm remains productive and profitable. It was 100% worth the investment.”