Greenmount Association Farm Walk showcases innovation and knowledge exchange

Date published: 7 October 2026

Hosted by the Haffey family, the event gave former students an opportunity to renew professional connections, exchange knowledge and learn about developments in dairy herd management and technology.

Opening the event, Greenmount Association President Lisa Burrows thanked the Haffey family for welcoming members to their farm and sharing their experience. She highlighted the value of bringing former students together to continue learning from one another and from progressive farm businesses. 

Brothers Timothy Haffey, David Haffey and Aaron Haffey explained how careful management, investment in technology and the effective use of information have supported the continued development of the Kilvergan Holsteins dairy enterprise.

Judith McCord, Senior Dairy Adviser with the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, guided visitors around the farm and provided technical commentary throughout the event.

Commenting on the Farm Walk, Judith McCord said: “The Haffey family have demonstrated how informed decision-making, careful monitoring and close attention to detail can support strong herd performance. Their effective use of data across the business is a credit to them and provides valuable learning opportunities for dairy farmers across the industry.”

Breeding and fertility

The first stop focused on the farm’s calving facilities and transition cow management. Visitors viewed the purpose-built calving accommodation and discussed the importance of nutrition, body condition, cow health and careful monitoring before and after calving. 

Aaron Haffey outlined the herd’s breeding objectives and explained how careful bull selection is used to improve milk production, functional traits, longevity and overall herd efficiency. The discussion demonstrated the importance of aligning breeding decisions with the long-term needs of the farm business. 

David Haffey explained how transition cow nutrition and close attention to herd health support fertility and an efficient calving pattern. The herd currently achieves a 30 per cent pregnancy rate and a 380-day calving interval, reflecting a disciplined and consistent approach to herd management. 

Calf and youngstock management

The second stop examined calf rearing and youngstock management. Visitors viewed the farm’s calf igloos and straw-bedded accommodation, which provide calves with a clean, dry and well-ventilated environment from birth. 

Discussion focused on high-quality colostrum management, good hygiene, appropriate nutrition and routine monitoring. Together, these measures help reduce disease risk and provide youngstock with a strong foundation for future health and productivity. The Haffey family currently achieve calf growth rates of approximately one kilogram per day.

Representatives from Moss Veterinary Services also discussed vaccination programmes and calf respiratory health. They highlighted the potential long-term effects of pneumonia and emphasised prevention through vaccination, effective ventilation, good biosecurity, reduced stress and the early identification of illness. 

The session reinforced the value of proactive herd health planning, careful observation and early intervention.

Robotic milking and data-led management

The final stop focused on the milking herd and the Haffey family’s experience of robotic milking. Six Lely robots are now used to milk the farm’s 340 cows.

Aaron Haffey explained how robotic milking has developed within the business and described the management adjustments required to secure the greatest benefit from the technology. The system provides real-time information on individual cow health and performance, supporting faster decisions and more targeted herd management.

Maurice Wylie of Lely also outlined the opportunities presented by robotic milking systems. The discussion demonstrated how modern technology, when combined with skilled stockmanship and the effective use of data, can enhance productivity, improve labour efficiency and contribute to a better work-life balance. 

Supporting continued learning

The Farm Walk highlighted the value of practical knowledge exchange among farm businesses, CAFRE advisers, veterinary professionals, agricultural technology providers and former students. It also demonstrated the important role of the Greenmount Association in maintaining connections among former students and providing opportunities for continued professional learning across the agri-food industry.

Concluding the event, Lisa Burrows and Patrick Fee thanked the Haffey family for opening their farm and generously sharing their knowledge and experience. They also thanked CAFRE staff and the other contributors who helped deliver an informative and well-attended event. 

Past Greenmount students who would like information about future Greenmount Association events can contact the Association at: greenmountassociation1@gmail.com