I farm: “110 acres with my father Francis. We milk 75 spring-calving Friesian cows that are currently producing 22 litres/day at 3.15% protein and 3.8% butterfat. We use AI on all the cows and rear all of our own replacements. ”

This week: “There are plenty of jobs to be done on the farm between strip grazing, topping and spreading fertilizer. We are also improving our laneways to make the paddocks more accessible.”

Lely Astronaut: “We installed a robotic milking machine last year. I think it was a good investment, but it was really labour-intensive at the start. The cows had to be trained into it which was fine when they were in the shed, but when they are out grazing it takes a lot more time. It’s only become fully-operational in the last few weeks, with all new gates, etc, in the waiting pen. The cows are now coming in themselves so it is less of a time constraint. We are still strip grazing to make sure they come in to be milked, but we aim to have just a paddock grazing system eventually.”

Data: “You get to know your cow better with a robotic milking machine. You have much more data available to you about individual cows, such as yield, milking time, temperature and rumination.”

Football: “I play centre back and midfield with Scotstown GAA and the county team. I train four or five nights every week so it’s handy being my own boss as I can juggle my time as I need to. Plus I have my father to look after the farm when I’m away. We’re playing in the Ulster semi-final against Armagh in Clones on Saturday, which will be a big game after Tyrone, but I’m looking forward to it.”

Family: “There are four of us at home. My parents, Francis and Patricia, my brother Kieran and I. Kieran (24) studies sports coaching, we get on well together. We have to, we’re on the same team.”

Quotable Quote: “Armagh are a good team, but we’re pretty confident we’ll get to the final.”