Stephen has just returned full-time to the farm, having completed the CCA and ND courses at Greenmount College. 85.8 hectares are farmed, of which 77.8 are owned. Currently the whole farm is down to grass with 31hectares of the home-farm accessible for grazing by the dairy herd. This includes 7.7 hectares of silage ground. This group is involved in tendering for the supply of a number of major farm inputs for the 44 members.
Products involved include concentrates, fertiliser, fuel, silage additives and anthelmintics.
The group is also involved in identifying the training requirements of members and arranging relevant courses through Greenmount College. David has attended courses on dairy cow nutrition and herd fertility. Increased emphasis on grassland management. This had been aided by participation in a grassland discussion group organised by local Dairying Development Adviser, William McCulloch. Extended grazing principles have been adopted.