Investments key to future of family farms

摘要

The future of the family-run dairy farm is good, but only if the lamlies are prepared to accept change and invest now believes Northern Ireland farmer, Alistair Magill. His farm was one visited during a press four hosted by seed specialists, Barenbrug. The chance to buy some adjoining land plus growing pressures on dairy farming led to a major farm development programme with cow numbers virtually doubled and average yields up 3,500kg per cow for award winning Northern Ireland dairy farmer, AlislairMagill. Mr Magill, of Orrfield, Hillsborough, now believes that there is a sound future for family-run dairy farms, but only with efficient management and tight control on costs. He says that, in most cases, the family dairy farm of the future will be run purely by family labour and will need to have a herd of around 150 dairy cows.