Workman Farms showcases efficient dairy production and high welfare standards at Ulster Grassland Society visit

Visitors were welcomed by Helen Workman to the 440-acre farm at Moneybrannon Road, which she owns and manages alongside her husband Matthew.

Ulster Grassland Society President Ivor Lowry introduced the meeting and thanked the Workman family for opening their farm and sharing their experience with members.

Matthew Workman subsequently led the farm tour, outlining the management practices underpinning the performance of the 240-cow Holstein herd which has supplied milk to Marks & Spencer since 2022.

A strong emphasis on milk quality, particularly butterfat and protein, has helped the herd achieve an impressive average yield of 9,361 litres per cow, with 4.50% butterfat and 3.40% protein, delivering 762kg of milk solids per cow annually.

Animal health and welfare featured prominently throughout the visit, reflecting both the family’s own priorities and the high standards expected of suppliers to Marks & Spencer.

The farm makes extensive use of technology, including CattleEye for monitoring cow mobility and Vet Vision, an artificial intelligence-based welfare monitoring system. Regular health monitoring, preventative veterinary measures and careful breeding decisions all contribute to herd performance and longevity.

Calf rearing attracted particular interest, with Matthew explaining the farm’s approach to providing a healthy environment for youngstock while achieving strong growth rates.

Calves spend their first two weeks in individual hutches before moving onto automatic milk feeders, with all calves subsequently reared in polytunnels until six months of age. An accelerated milk feeding programme supports growth, with weaning at approximately 70 days and a target daily liveweight gain of at least 1kg.

Grassland management was another major focus of the tour. The all-grassland enterprise operates an intensive rotational grazing system, generally on a 21-day cycle, with strip grazing used to maximise grass utilisation.

Around 30 acres are reseeded annually, while regular soil testing helps ensure nutrients are used efficiently.

Silage production is equally important, with three cuts taken at five-to-seven-week intervals. The aim is to mow, wilt and ensile grass within 24 hours, preserving feed quality and supporting the farm’s objective of maximising milk production from forage.

Aaron Jones, Ruminant Technical Advisor & Sales Representative, Chestnutt Animal Feeds also presented on managing dairy herd nutrition on the farm and matching feeding to silage quality. His presentation generated lots of discussion from the assembled audience as did questions to Matthew during the farm walk.

In 2025/26 milk from forage averaged 2,603 litres per cow, with concentrates fed strategically through a combination of total mixed ration and computerised feed-to-yield technology in the milking parlour.

However Matthew also emphasised that successful dairy farming is not simply about production figures.

Maintaining a good work-life balance and protecting family time are equally important objectives, with the business structured around efficient labour use, practical management systems and technology that reduces unnecessary workload.

The farm operates with one full-time labour unit and a CAFRE student alongside the family, demonstrating the importance placed on making the best use of available time and resources.

Concluding the visit, UGS President Elect George Reid expressed appreciation to Matthew and Helen Workman for their hospitality and openness in sharing the successes, challenges and management decisions behind their farming business.

Thanks were also expressed to event supporters - Chestnutt Animal Feeds; CR Hire; Lakeland Dairies and Pollock Car Sales - for sponsoring the farm visit. Event caterers Simply Irresistible were also thanked for the excellent bbq lunch which was served at the conclusion of the farm walk.

The visit provided Society members and friends with valuable practical insights into combining profitable milk production, high animal welfare standards, efficient grassland utilisation and a sustainable family lifestyle.