Running a one-man dairy farm in County Clare, Des has turned daily pressure into balance and routine with the help of the automatic calf feeder. 

Balancing family, farming, and 85 spring-calving cows is a challenge that few know better than County Clare farmer, Des Quinlivan. Running a one-man operation in O'Callaghan's Mills, he needed a system that worked as hard as he does; one that would save time, without sacrificing care. 

"It's not the amount of work I have to do," he says. "It's the amount of time I have to do it in."

Since installing the JFC Evolution Automatic Calf Feeder in 2022, Des has turned those hours into better-managed days.

"The machine has saved me between two and three hours every day at peak calving," he explains. "It's been an absolute dream machine for me."

Making Time for What Matters Most

Time saved is time redirected to his children, his cows, and the dozens of other jobs that fill each day. 

"I'm minding children half the day with school runs, then milking," Des says. "I'm not under pressure in the morning to get calves fed. I can come back, check the feeder."

Once the calving season transitions into field work, the benefit of the automatic calf feeder grows. 

"We start doing a bit of land work out in the field, spreading fertilizer...when you come home in the evening, you haven't all the calves to feed."

He's established a rhythm that suits both farmer and calf. According to Des, once the calves are trained onto the automatic calf feeder, they can almost look after themselves. 

Calm Sheds, Even Calves

Automation has changed how Des works and how his calves behave. 

"You don't hear calves bawling when you come in,", he reports. "They assume they're going to get fed...They're not expecting us, so it's amazing."

Weaning is equally smooth. 

"The computer tells you it's time to wean them...There's no issue there. The calves are eating ration well, a bit of hay, bit of straw, so there's no problem."

The new routine quickly becomes a habit for the calves. Des recalls how his latest batch of calves have adapted immediately to the automatic calf feeder. 

"Last week, the first calves went on it and by day two, they knew, eight o'clock, I have to be in there...It's routine."

That calm behaviour is exactly what the JFC Evolution Automatic Calf Feeder is designed to create: quiet sheds, excellent growth rates, and predictable process. 

Service That Never Sleeps

Before making the purchase, Des heard strong feedback that from a service perspective, "The experience was second to none." So, he put that theory to the test. 

"I rang at 5:45 one morning, had a red light on the machine and it was only something simple, but I hadn't a clue. The phone was answered, and we were up and going. I couldn't fault the service in any way."

Behind that reputation is a support network that begins long before installation. Farmers can speak directly with the Evolution team to arrange a site visit, assess their current setup, and plan the best feeder layout for their shed.

The team has even helped farmers during the design stages of new builds, ensuring the plan is optimal for automatic calf feeding. 

Once installed, the service continues year-round. JFC's technical team is available seven days a week. Most issues are resolved over the phone, but if a call-out is needed, a technician is on-site as soon as possible. 

Reliability Every Calving Season

Two seasons in, the automatic calf feeder has become central to how Des runs his farm. It saves hours every day, helps maintain a consistent feeding schedule, and gives him more time for other jobs and most importantly, family life. 

• Significant time saving: Two to three hours gained every day during peak calving. 

• Reliable routine: Automation allows balance between farm and family life. 

• Calmer calves: Quiet behaviour and consistent feeding throughout weaning. 

• Dependable support: JFC's service is always available when needed. 

Are you considering a move to Automatic Calf Feeding?

Contact our Team today!