Farm trip to UK's first fully automated dairy farm

Owner at Ve-Tech Holsteins Robert Veitch, with his wife Lyndsey and daughters Heather and Jennifer at their farm in Ayrshire

The trip will also include visiting the first fully automated dairy farm of its kind in the UK.

This is the fourth consecutive year Bank of Ireland UK has hosted this trip offering farmers an opportunity to experience and learn from farmers across England, Wales, Scotland and further afield. Attracting a global audience, the UK Dairy Expo is the leading dairy event within the UK, exhibiting the cream of dairy cattle from across the UK.

It also showcases the latest developments in dairy farming practices, breeding, genetics, machinery, equipment, technology, environmental issues, livestock marketing and export opportunities. For these reasons it is regarded as among one of best dairy shows within Europe.

Glyn Lucas, one of the main organisers of UK Dairy Expo, commented: “The show has continued to grow from strength to strength from when we started five years ago. It exhibits the best quality genetics that the UK has to offer from all the main dairy breeds.”

Bank of Ireland UK’s Head of Agri William Thompson explains what farmers can look forward to on the trip.

“Bank of Ireland is delighted to offer another exciting trip to the UK Dairy Expo to farmers in Northern Ireland. This trip has worked well in previous years, with strong numbers attending and excellent feedback received,” said William.

“In addition to the Expo, we are visiting Ve-Tech Holsteins, a farm visit that comes highly recommended and is the first fully automated farm within the UK exhibiting the latest technology and breeding from some of the top Holstein cattle within the country.”

The trip is scheduled for Friday 11th and Saturday, 12th March. The cost is £145pp, which includes coach, ferry, hotel and all meals. A Chambers coach will be leaving early on Friday morning and returning late Saturday night. Everyone is welcome but please book early as spaces are limited. To book contact Chambers Coach Hire on 02879 549932 or by emailing [email protected].