After a period working off farm as a refrigeration engineer, Declan Finn quickly realised that dairy farming had opportunities and strengths other jobs didn’t offer.

Following extensive travel through the US, New Zealand and southeast Asia, Declan committed to home with his young family.

I believe that I am making money when I’m in the parlour and spending it when I’m not in there

Working alongside his father, he decided to make a go of dairy farming on a commercial scale.

While he has grown the business, he has also improved the herd somatic cell count (SCC) with rates dropping year on year from 230,000, 150,000, 110,000, 85,000 to the 60,000 cells/ml he is hoping for this year.

Just last year, Declan made the decision to take on a neighbouring farm on a 10-year lease of 32ha to farm alongside the 32 owned acres. Significant redevelopment was carried out to allow him to get milking cows into this land.

He said: “If I was back again, I might not take on as much of the redevelopment work myself as it distracts from the cow business but we are happy with how it’s working out.”

This year, there are 91 cows milking with 36 maiden heifers put to the bull and 52 heifer calves on the ground, allowing stock for further herd expansion if it makes sense.

‘‘Keep it simple’’ is the farm motto and Declan is open to change to make the business work. One of the things he decided to do this year was to take every Sunday evening milking off as it gives him the chance to stay with his family or watch a GAA match.

"Family time together is precious on this farm, like many others, especially given the fact that Alison is away from home teaching during the week.

Given his background and training, Declan has a great understanding of the plant washing chemicals and refrigeration process.

"All cows are stripped twice a day and Declan doesn’t rush it.

He said: “I believe that I am making money when I’m in the parlour and spending it when I’m not in there. It pays to make the effort.”

The residential dwelling that the Finns renovated.

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