Investing for the future on Doagh dairy farm

Providing more feeding and cubicle space was at the heart of a recent investment project undertaken by Doagh dairy farmer Johnny Coleman and his father Neil.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Jul 2016, 07:58 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 19:17 BST
Doagh dairy farmer Johnny Coleman (left) discussing the pre-stressed wall panels used in the farms new cubicle shed with Moore Concretes Jeff HaslettDoagh dairy farmer Johnny Coleman (left) discussing the pre-stressed wall panels used in the farms new cubicle shed with Moore Concretes Jeff Haslett
Doagh dairy farmer Johnny Coleman (left) discussing the pre-stressed wall panels used in the farms new cubicle shed with Moore Concretes Jeff Haslett

“We are currently milking 220 cows,” Johnny explained.

“Going back to 2014, it was obvious that we needed to provide the cows with more space and comfort and, generally, more room to move around in. We also wanted to prioritise the management of the dry cows.

“The most obvious way of doing this was to extend the existing cubicle house.”

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Work began on the extension in the summer of 2014 with the job brought through to various stages of completion over the following 12 months. Phase one comprised the digging of a new slurry tank over which was constructed a 150’x55’ cubicle shed. The floor is entirely slatted, apart from the solid feeding passage.

“The job was completed 12 months ago,” Johnny added.

“The extension contains 70 cubicles, divided up into two rows. And we are delighted with the performance that we are now getting from the cows in their new accommodation.”

Moore concrete manufactured the slats, pre-stressed wall panels, cubicle bases, cubicle end walls, support beams and 100 gallon drinking trough, which were included in the specification for the new house. The company’s Jeff Haslett was a recent visitor to the Coleman farm.

“We recognise that milk producers can be under extreme time pressure when it comes to putting up as new build or undertaking repairs on their farms,” he said.

“At Moore Concrete we are committed to manufacturing high quality precast products that can be put in place with the minimum amount of fuss.

“Our pre-stressed wall panels are a case in point. They are designed for speed of installation and are ready for immediate use.

“ISO 9001 compliant, our wall panel systems offer significant time and cost savings over traditional methods. There is no need for foundations, as the panels can rest on the post foundation or on landing brackets.

“They are joined together using a simple tongue and groove system. The length of each panel can be adjusted to suit individual requirements.

“The panels can be used in the building of structural walls for livestock or general purpose buildings. These resulting walls have a very smooth finish, which can be easily cleaned.

“The panels are bolted to or slotted in between the RSJ units.”

For further information, contact Moore Concrete on (028) 2656 2566.

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