“It’s a Gift”: How One Clare Farmer Transformed His Calf Rearing with the JFC Evolution Automatic Calf Feeder

Based in Sixmilebridge in the heart of County Clare, James Lynch runs a family farm steeped in tradition. A dairy farmer with a small beef operation on the side, James works alongside his wife, Maura and their four children on land that has been in the family for generations. While proud of the heritage and the values that come with farming, James is no stranger to the constant challenges modern agriculture presents, particularly when it comes to rearing healthy calves efficiently. 

But one piece of technology that James says has revolutionised the way they run their calf shed, the Evolution Automatic Calf Feeder. Like many farmers, James had grown accustomed to the twice-daily routine of manually feeding calves. It was labour-intensive, time-consuming and often stressful. Not just for the people involved but for the calves too. “You’d be out in the yard first thing in the morning and again in the evening with calves bawling a half-hour before feed time,” James explains. “Once one started, they all started. It wasn’t good for them, and it definitely wasn’t good for us.” He remembers the constant rush to stick to schedules, the unpredictability of weather, and the toll it took on the family, especially during the busier months. For Maura, who takes pride in maintaining a spotless, well-organised calf area, the old ways were proving increasingly impractical. 

“We’d be washing down, hosing, tidying every day just to keep the place manageable with the feeding mess,” James recalls. “It was exhausting.” That all changed with the introduction of the Evolution Automatic Calf Feeder, a decision that James describes as “transformational.” “I couldn't say enough good things about it, it just works. The difference in both labour and calf health is unreal.” With the Evolution system in place, calves are fed on demand based on an individually programmed plan that adjusts to their age and nutritional needs. The result? Calmer animals, healthier growth rates and significant time savings. 

“One fella who had the feeder told me, ‘James, if you hear calves bawling in the shed, there’s a problem. If it’s quiet, everything’s fine.’ That advice stuck with me, and he was right. It’s made a huge difference.” For James and Maura, the benefits extend far beyond the technical. The feeder has brought a new sense of balance to the farm. “We’re able to focus more on the big picture now,” he says. “Maura isn't tied to the same strict routine and the kids can help without it turning into chaos. It’s just more manageable.” 

During peak times (from February through May) when Maura was more heavily involved, she noticed the biggest change. “She used to say that it was like managing traffic with all the calves running in and out and everything needing to be spotless. Now, with the feeder in place, things are cleaner, calmer and more controlled.” James adds with a smile, “Maura absolutely loves it, she takes great pride in it.” 

Of course, like any major investment, the decision didn’t come lightly. “The build of this shed and setup cost us around €140,000,” James admits. “And in terms of return on investment from calf sales alone, you’re not going to see that immediately.” But where the real value lies, he insists, is in labour and time savings. 

“The labour-saving side of it is massive. That’s where it really pays for itself,” he says. “It’s like having an extra person on the farm every day, without the cost or the need for managing staff.” It wasn’t all smooth sailing at the start prior to installing the Evolution Automatic Calf Feeder. James is candid about the early days. 

“The product we were using before JFC Evolution was a nightmare. It caused more hassle than it was worth,” he says. “But once we got the right system, once we switched to Evolution, it just clicked. We haven’t looked back.” James praises the technical support as well, noting that every technician who’s visited has been professional, efficient and respectful of the farm’s operation. “They just come in, do the job, and leave everything in great shape. You couldn’t ask for better.” James knows that no system is perfect. But in his view, the Evolution Automatic Calf Feeder comes close. 

“No matter what system you go with, there’ll always be hiccups. But Evolution, once it’s set up and running, it’s a gift. You can’t put a price on the peace of mind it brings.” His message to other farmers considering the investment? “If you value your time, your calves’ wellbeing and your own sanity, it’s worth every cent.”