Parlour installations drive on

By Jack Kennedy

27 August 05 : The basic no frill milking machine remains to be great value for money. Costs can increase with 'add ons' to the basic structure.

Some farmers I talk to are looking at the increased availability of long term leased land as an opportunity to put up a cheap, no frills parlour on a leased block or outside block.

It would seem a very good decision rather than driving for yield and adding cost by buying inputs, if land is available. Grant availability is also helping stimulate interest in new dairy equipment. Department figures show a substantial grant application increase since the revised dairy hygiene scheme was introduced in January 2004..

If I was asked where was the one place I would spend money to help farm more efficiently I would say increasing the number of units in the parlour.

The return is phenomenal for both farmer and cow productivity. Thankfully, many farmers see it the same way.

Farmers must be clear in what they want from a parlour. The list is endless when you start to kit out a parlour. The cost can vary from almost €8,000/unit for 'full kit', down to €1,000/unit for the basic milk and vacuum line. The choice is yours.

Milking manufacturers report a brisk trade in refurbishments and new installations as we enter the autumn.