A 400-Cow Farm Continues to Modernise Its Three-Milking Operation

The farm’s modernisation programme extends beyond the milking parlour. Technology is used to collect information on herd health and performance, with the stated aim of detecting problems earlier and making daily work more efficient, according to Kornél.

Continuous monitoring is applied to conditions including lameness and mastitis. The herd’s routine also includes regular hoof trimming and veterinary treatment when required. The cows are milked three times, while animal care is managed alongside feeding and housing.

The animals remain in a free-stall system throughout the year and are not put out to pasture. Their stalls have rubber mattresses, with straw used as additional bedding. During hotter periods, fans and sprinklers are operated to cool the housing areas.

Feed production is partly integrated into the farm. A substantial share of the ingredients, particularly maize and alfalfa, is grown on the property and is also used for silage. The ration is prepared as a total mixed ration containing vitamins and minerals, and may include maize silage, alfalfa silage, hay, maize grain and soybean meal. Its composition is adjusted for the nutritional requirements of each production group.

According to the producer, producing part of the feed internally gives the farm more control over its quality and reduces reliance on external availability. Reproductive management is also part of the operation’s long-term planning. Artificial insemination uses only bulls selected for high genetic merit, with breeding goals covering milk production, strong hooves and legs, udder conformation and longevity.

The farm raises its own replacement heifers and currently has 200 animals for that purpose. Calving takes place in autumn, a schedule intended to maintain a consistent milk supply. The property also has a manure scraper and separator. The family lists manure management, lower water and energy consumption, and greater use of home-produced feed among its ongoing efforts.

Current capital projects include an expansion of the solar-energy plant, intended to lower energy costs and improve farm efficiency. Older sheds are being renovated to meet current standards and the herd’s requirements. About 20 employees work on an operation that combines feed production, animal management, genetics, data collection, infrastructure and energy with the three-times-a-day milking of the 400-cow herd.