Glenmore Estate Farms has confirmed details of the planning application it is preparing for An Grianán to the Irish Farmers Journal.

The largest organic farm in the country in Burt, Co Donegal will see its yard demolished and existing slurry tanks removed.

Robotic milking

Glenmore, which bought An Grianán for €17.4m last year, is planning to build two new slatted sheds of over 17,000m2 each. If approved, this would make each shed larger than a GAA pitch. Each building is to include a robotic milking parlour. "Glenmore Estate Farms see robotic systems playing a positive role in the management of the dairy farm at the estate and the investment will sustainably increase production and complement organic production principles," the Cloghan-based company said in a statement to the Irish Farmers Journal.

The proposed redevelopment of the farmyard complex at An Grianán Farm Estate will ensure that quality organic milk is produced sustainably

Eight silage pits are also planned, as well as two slurry tanks of 1.5m gallons each.

"The proposed redevelopment of the farmyard complex at An Grianán Farm Estate will ensure that quality organic milk is produced sustainably from an animal welfare, labour efficient, economic and environmental protection perspective," Glenmore added.

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