Spring on the farm is always a test of endurance. Between late nights, calving cows, and unpredictable weather, the O'Sullivans know how quickly the days can run away from you. But inside their new shed, it's a different story.
"When you come in here now, the calves are relaxed," says Morgan. "There's no shouting or roaring. They're lying down, they're content, and it's peaceful."
That peace is hard-won. Three years ago, Morgan and Brendan installed a JFC Evolution S4 Automatic Calf Feeder as part of a new purpose-build shed. The setup was carefully planned, with input from JFC's technical team, ensuring the automatic feeder and shed worked in harmony.
"It's our third year with it now...We got very good advice from JFC on the layout and whatnot of the shed...It works very well for us. We're very happy with it."
Before automation, feeding groups of calves wiht manual feeders could swallow up hours every day.
The difference now, Morgan says, is night and day, "We just find it's a massive labour saving."
"It's easily two and a half hours a day...It does take a bit of a sting out of the workload," Brendan adds.
In the peak spring, that time saving matters. Calving, late nights, and weather pressures can make even simple jobs feel heavier. Automation has given the O'Sullivans breathing space and consistency when they need it.
"The information that it gives you is massive." according to Morgan. The automatic calf feeder provides live data to give them an extra layer of control. Through a mobile app or by checking the screen, they can see which calves are drinking, which aren't, and take note if anything seems off. It flags calves that haven't taken their full allotment, so you know who to check on.
Cleanliness and calf health are major priorities for modern farmers like the O'Sullivans. In the past, manual group feeding meant constant washing and refilling. These are standard but time-consuming tasks that can be difficult to maintain during busy periods.
"It's easy to clean...health-wise, very good...Once you take care of cleaning...and changing the teats. I mean, the machine will wash itself...It definitely removes a lot of labour on hygiene." notes Morgan.
The automatic cleaning feature helps reduce the bacterial risk that can spread in group feeders. The brothers say it's made a visible difference to the calves' health and appearance.
"There's a lovely shine off the calves. We would weigh them regularly as well...You do see very good growth rates...They really do thrive on it."
A key area where the JFC Evolution team impressed the O'Sullivans was service. Whether they have an issue or are arranging annual maintenance, someone is always available to them.
"The service...They're easy going on the phone...they'll get you through an issue. Once a year, the lads come. They'll ring ahead, and they'll work away...It's a very good service." says Morgan.
The brothers also credit the automatic calf feeder's straightforward design for keeping the routine running smoothly.
"The machine itself is easy to work on as well." according to Brendan. Morgan reiterates the claim, stating that it's simple and user-friendly, which is something Evolution customers consistently report.
After three seasons with the JFC Evolution Automatic Calf Feeder, the O'Sullivans say the difference shows daily. The workload is lighter, hygiene standards are higher, and the feeding runs intself from morning to night.
Massive labour saving: Around 2.5 to 3 hours saved every day in peak season.
Calmer, healthier calves: Consistent feeding keeps them settled and thriving.
Cleaner system: Automatic washing and easy teat care maintain cleanliness with ease.
Peace of mind: Reliable service and clear data give confidence in calf health and well-being 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
