Infrastructure Overhaul Boosts Milk Production at Wicklow Dairy Farm
Dermot and Adam Phibbs, operating a dairy farm in Blessington, Co. Wicklow, have made significant investments in their farm's infrastructure. The farm, which milks 130 cows, has seen various upgrades aimed at enhancing productivity and animal welfare. The Phibbs supply liquid milk to Tirlán, with their herd comprising 60% spring-calving and 40% autumn-calving cows. The herd currently produces 30L of milk per day with a fat content of 3.9% and protein at 3.6%, supported by a diet including 4kg of 14% crude protein dairy nuts.
In 2025, the farm achieved a milk solids production of 650kg per cow, maintaining an average cow weight of 650kg. The herd mainly consists of Friesians, with some Fleckviehs and Montbeliardes, and all heifers are bred using an Angus bull. The farm also raises beef stock, which is sold to Kepak Clonee.
The Phibbs have invested heavily in their farm infrastructure, starting with the construction of a new eight-bay shed and the installation of an 18-unit Swiftflo Swing Parlour from DairyMaster. This new parlour has reduced milking time from over two hours to just one hour, thanks to features like automatic cluster removers and a cluster flush system. The improved milking setup is complemented by a 12,750L SwiftCool milk tank for storage.
The farm is equipped with three-phase electricity to power the parlour, with plans for solar panels in the future. Additionally, a rainwater harvesting system has been installed, allowing the farm to collect enough water for machine washing if it rains weekly.
Handling facilities have also been upgraded with a new drafting gate, foot bath, and roll crate for hoof pairing. These improvements have significantly reduced lameness rates, which were previously exacerbated by the cows' long walk to the furthest paddock.
The Phibbs are further enhancing their infrastructure with a new 26ft feed passage and have installed additional calving facilities near the parlour to support calf health. Despite these advancements, they plan to maintain a balance between indoor and outdoor environments for their cows.
