Cowley Farm Moo-ves Into the Future with New Milking Parlour

Last week, Jersey Dairy were delighted to be invited to Cowley Dairy Farm in Maufant by Andrew Le Gallais for an open day showcasing the farm’s brand-new, state-of-the-art milking parlour! At the open day, Andrew was eager to thank his farm team for helping to make the construction process as smooth as possible.

The Cowley farm installation was aided by Vic Wheeler, a highly respected and experienced dairy project manager from the UK, who gave valuable advice during the construction phase. This helped meet the aim of fitting the most advanced and reliable dairy system possible into a streamlined working environment.

Andrew showcases the equipment installed to milk the cows comfortably and efficiently, Picture: Rob Currie, JEP

The investment, which started last June, progressed steadily over the following seven and a half months, converting what was once a 12:12 herringbone parlour into a modern 28:28 installation. It was put in place with three core functions in mind: enhancing productivity, improving cow health monitoring and supporting operator wellbeing.

For the latter, the farm uses a computerised system which can recognise the devices they wear and acts as a unique identifier for each cow. During the milking process, this hugely reduces the amount of manual work required from farm staff. Once cows have been milked the new automatic segregation uses the devices to separate them and improve the flow of cows into other areas of the farm.

Each cow wears a device to help farmers monitor them, Picture: Rob Currie, JEP

The data collected can also be inputted into Andrew’s digital software which helps to detect any health changes. Le Gallais explained how, ‘the cows’ health is monitored very carefully’ and how this allows them to spot virus spreading long before any consequences occur.

The computer application helps to detect any health issues amongst the herd, Picture: Rob Currie, JEP

Perhaps most strikingly, the advanced GEA parlour, which is the first of its kind in Jersey, features a suspended floor in the ‘pit area.’ This allows staff to adjust the ground level for those of all heights to work comfortably.

The two platforms of the milking parlour floor can be raised and lowered, Picture: Rob Currie, JEP

For Jersey Dairy, it was clear to see the pride that came with this new installation, demonstrating the passion our dairy farmers have for providing for islanders, caring for their herds and looking after their staff.

Andrew also spoke to the Jersey Evening Post, where he discussed to the importance of the government reintroducing the Agricultural Loans Scheme, pointing out the benefit this investment will bring to islanders. He told the JEP, ‘The investment has delivered value and our ability to invest is all down to the reintroduction of the scheme. It enables the absolute transformation of the dairy industry – and the growing industry. It is fantastic! It has helped farming turn a corner and there’s a real buzz everywhere.’