Pat was close to selling his calves as the work piled up. Four seasons later, he sas the automatic calf feeder turned everything around.

Based in Ballinakill, Co. Laois, Pat Egan has been rearing calves long enough to know when the work is getting on top of you. Between milking, cleaning, and feeding, the days were stretching too far. Something had to change. 

"It was nearly the decision made to sell the calves, even though we wanted to keep them...even for the pure work ethic and all that."

That change came four years ago when he brought in the JFC Evolution S2 Automatic Calf Feeder, a decision he now calls one of the best he's made on the farm. 

"I couldn't have asked for more. It really has changed the whole thing."

A Change That Kept Calf Rearing Alive

The first season with the feeder proved just how much difference the right system could make. The pushing stopped. Buckets, mixing, and running back and forth to the shed were replaced by a steady routine that fitted easily around milking.

According to Pat, the automatic calf feeder does more work than any person ever could do on the farm. 

"As regards labour saving, it's better than a man around the place."

The automatic calf feeder tracks feed times, mixes milk precisely, and cuts waste completely. 

With the app on his phone, Pat can keep an eye on every calf, even when he's not in the shed. 

"I have the app on the phone...It's fierce handy for a long day...to make sure that they're using the feeder."

The system is straightforward to use and quick to diagnose if anything goes wrong. 

Calves That Thrive on Routine

Once the automatic calf feeder was in place, the benefits showed quickly. Feeding became consistent, calves adapted fast, and their behaviour changed completely. 

"The calves are quieter...very content."

That consistency carried right through to weaning. Each calf followed the same pattern every day, feeding, drinking water, and eating meal in a steady rhythm. 

"When they come out from drinking, they go over and drink fresh water, come back to the trough then and start eating concentrates...the routine of the calf is brilliant."

Pat maintains the results were even more obvious when the calves hit the grass. 

"They go on and thrive on exceptionally well when they hit the grass...the animals are more superior than before."

It's a difference he can see in both condition and health. With fewer problems to manage and early signs of illness easier to spet, the vet isn't called out nearly as often. 

"It's a great management tool that way...vet calls are very, very rare."

A System You Can Depend On

Four seasons in, Pat treats the automatic calf feeder as one of the team. It's reliable, easy to use, and fits naturally into the flow of the farm. 

"I couldn't imagine rearing calves without it...I'd be scared to rear calves without it."

Every batch of calves adapts the same way, making the start of each season something to look forward to rather than dread. 

"You look forward to putting the calves on it...You'd be waiting for the 14 days to bring them down and just put them in there and off they go."

For Pat, the automatic calf feeder saved him time and made calf rearing enjoyable again. 

What the Automatic Calf Feeder Means for the Farm

Looking back, Pat says the automatic calf feeder has taken the pressure off in every way, from the daily workload to the health of the animals. The calves are thriving, the routine runs itself, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything is running as it should be, is worth just as much as the time saved. 

• Dependable technology: Monitors feed times, mixes accurately, and records faults clearly. 

• Healthier calves: Consistent feeding, calm behaviour, and smooth weaning. 

• Time and labour savings: Cuts repetitive work, reduces waste, and keeps routine ready. 

• Peace of mind: The app and alerts keep Pat connected, even when he's away from the shed. 

 

Are you considering a move to Automatic Calf Feeding?

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