Meet James Powell, a dairy farmer from West Wales. Him and his family run a 180-cow dairy unit, employing a high input, high output system, and calve all year round. This year, they streamlined their calf rearing process by incorporating the JFC Evolution Automatic Calf Feeder S4 into our operations. He talks about his experince with The JFC Evolution Automatic Calf Feeder.
"After some research and a conversation with James McGrath, the evolution sales manager from JFC, we were convinced that this was the right choice for our farm. Having dealt with Lloyds Dairy in Wales for years, we had confidence in their support. James visited our farm during the building renovation phase and provided valuable insights. We transformed an old stone building into a modern space with lean-tos, allowing us to accommodate up to 20 calves in each pen while keeping different age groups separate. This flexibility was crucial for us. The impact of the JFC Evolution on our daily routine has been transformative. Previously, we spent hours hand-mixing calf feed, but now, it's as simple as checking the touchscreen and topping up the milk powder. The feeder operates on three feeding periods a day, ensuring our calves receive the nutrition they need."
"We start with 4 litres, gradually increasing to 6 litres as the calves grow. The results were astounding – quieter calves at weaning time, contented and happy, which makes for a happy farmer. The efficiency of the JFC Evolution has saved us approximately 14 hours a week in labor. Time that was previously spent on manual feeding can now be used in different ways, including spending more quality time with our family. Additionally, the convenience of the JFC Evolution has reduced physical strain, eliminating the need to carry hot water and mix calf feed manually. Now, with just a touch of a button, the milk powder is prepared, saving us up to two hours a day."
"The JFC Evolution has truly transformed our calf feeding routine, and we couldn't be happier with the results. One of the standout features for us is the consistency it offers. Every calf receives the perfect mixture of milk at the right temperature during each feed, ensuring their growth and development are optimized. This level of consistency is nothing short of brilliant. Another fantastic feature of the JFC Evolution is its automatic washing feature. It takes care of cleaning the milk pipes and the machine body itself, making maintenance a breeze. The machine's plastic construction makes it easy to rinse down and keep clean, contributing to the overall hygiene of our operation."
"The uniformity of our calves' growth since implementing the JFC Evolution has been remarkable. They all thrive and look like peas in a pod, with no one calf dominating the others. The traffic light system on the automatic feeder is a game-changer. It provides a quick and easy way to assess each calf's feeding status. Green ticks mean they've had their fill, while an amber tick signals a missed feed. If we spot a red tick, it's a clear sign that the calf needs some extra attention. This system simplifies our daily routine and ensures all our calves are thriving."
"Even at 75 years old, my father has no trouble operating it, thanks to the friendly touchscreen interface. It's so intuitive that even the kids can lend a hand, checking on the calves and making sure they've been fed. For any farmers considering the switch to automatic calf feeding, I wholeheartedly recommend the JFC Evolution Automatic calf feeder. It has simplified our daily routine, improved consistency, and given us peace of mind that our calves are receiving the best care possible. Thank you, the JFC Evolution team, for revolutionizing our calf rearing process."
Are you considering a move to Automatic Calf Feeding?