On Bensfort Farm, in Carnaross, County Meath, Michael Kavanagh and the rest of the staff traditionally hand-fed calves, which was a demanding, two-man job that consumed hours each day. Buckets, teats, late calves, and the challenge of tracking intake made the routine both time-heavy and unpredictable.
Three months before calving season, the farm introduced the JFC Evolution S4 Automatic Calf Feeder, one of the newest models capable of feeding whole milk as well as milk replacer. The change has been immediate. Calves are more content, the routine is consistent, and the workload in the shed has dropped significantly.
As Michael puts it, they now have "Far healthier calves. Happier."
Having the option to feed whole milk through the automatic calf feeder has streamlined feeding, letting Bensfort Farm staff make better use of the milk already available.
Additionally, it has improved efficiency and now ensures the calves receive the right quantity of the feed they respond to best.
Whole milk is an important part of rearing at Bensfort Farm, and the automatic calf feeder has allowed the process to become more modernised, creating a smooth and consistent system.
According to Michael, "The whole milk is just a great job," and bringing in automating has strengthened the existing feeding routine.
"We were feeding calves on whole milk before we brought them onto powder machines. But this is even better again now," he explains. Nothing valuable goes unused. Milk that would traditionally have been discarded is now put to work for young calves. "Colostrum milk or dump milk is coming down here as opposed to being wasted."
Michael's early-life routine for the calves complements the system perfectly:
"Two bottles of colostrum into them, underneath the heat lamp, dry out, jackets on them, out to the training pen. 10 hours or so after, straight onto it (the automatic calf feeder) then."
The combination of whole milk, routine, and automation has set calves up for healthy starts and strong early growth.
Since introducing the automatic calf feeder, the staff at Bensfort Farm have seen a clear lift in calf performance. Michael notices the difference every day:
"Calves are far healthier, far happier on the while milk as opposed to the traditional powders, thriving far better I think now anyway, personally."
The automatic calf feeder tracks individual intake, making it easier to monitor how each calf is progressing. "You have a far better idea what calves are drinking and how well they're going on," he explains.
It displays the information through the HMI touchscreen, showing individual calf intake and feeding details through a traffic light system. Custom feeding curves can be applied to each calf, allowing controlled increases and gradual reductions, helping maintain steady, predictable growth, and easy weaning.
Spotting problems early has become far more straightforward. "You pick a sick calf far handier now, as opposed to 10 calves rushing around the bucket. You don't know what's drinking what."
The calmer behaviour around feeding has helped too, reducing pressure in the shed and preventing the typical chaos of group feeding.
With the automatic calf feeder in place, feeding has become a more routine part of the day at Besforth Farm. Instead of moving between pens with buckets and teats, the farmers now check the machine, focus on any calves that need attention, and complete the job in a fraction of the time.
"You're saving 3 to 4 hours," Michael says, a change he sees clearly during busy spells. Even managing late calves has become less cumbersome.
"Easily, 15 to 20 minutes to throw in your few late calves or calves that haven't drank as opposed to an hour or two hours going to feeding calves or buckets."
The shift has reduced pressure across the entire shed. Standard daily checks replace repetitive time-consuming tasks, and feeding is no longer tied to the long manual process that previously required two people.
"It's saving a person a day," Michael explains. What was once a heavy daily workload is now a short, predictable stop in the shed, giving them more time for outher essential jons around the farm.
The automatic calf feeder has been backed up by reliable service from the JFC team. As Michael recounts, "The service team are great now. Ring them anytime and he'll fix anything. Over the phone even, so it's great."
That level of support begins well before the Evolution Automatic Calf Feeder is ever switched on. Farmers can arrange a visit with the Evolution team to review their shed layout, plan the ideal position for the feeder, and understand how the system will work within their existing routine.
Once installed, support remains easily accessible. Most queries are solved quickly over the phone, and if an issue needs attention on-site, a technician visit can be arranged without delay. It's a practical and valuable service designed to keep feeding routines on-time throughout the calving season.
After three months with the automatic calf feeder, Bensfort Farm is seeing clear, day-to-day improvements across both calf performance and daily workflow.
Healthier calves: Whole milk feeding and consistent routines are supporting stronger early growth and calves that thrive.
Hours saved: Daily time spend feeding is dramaticallly reduced, freeing staff for other essential tasks.
Simpler checks: Intake tracking and clear information make it easier to monitor each calf.
Reliable support: Quick access to the service team keeps the system running smoothly year-round.
Are you considering a move to Automatic Calf Feeding?
Tuam, Co. Galway,
H54 RX46, Ireland
+353 93 24066
Maesbury rd, Oswestry,
SY10 8NN, UK
+44 16913 20003
info@jfcevolution.com
