Four decades supplying automatic scrapers, slurry tank aeration and milking machines to the dairy farmers of Cork, Dairypower knows the sector well. The firm was set up in 1973 by John O’Donovan and has grown to where it now employs 20. Two years ago, the firm opened a branch in Leyland, Preston, England.

“We supply our patented hydraulic ratchet scraper system and in 2010, introduced a rope scraper system,” said sales manager James Manley. “It gives easy installation and works well on larger sheds.”

The firm is agent for SCR milking systems, providing installation and service.

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“They’re robust and can be as basic or sophisticated as a farmer wants – herringbone, rotary or low-line.”

The firm has been involved in slurry tank aeration systems for over 20 years. Rubber flaps with UPVC pipes are attached to the floor of a slurry tank and air is pumped through them, keeping the slurry aerobic.

Typically, under a tank with 14ft 6in slat, depending on length, there will be six to 20 pipes running along the floor. The air prevents formation of a crust and eliminates the need for agitation.

“It’s our own design. We use a larger-diameter pipe than other systems. Most farmers set up the system to run for a few hours at night, using night-rate electricity.

“I think a lot of guys will be conservative in expanding. They’ll go from 60 to 90 cows. But they’re looking at the cost of labour. Land availability will be a huge issue – a lot of farmers are already close to maximum.”