A.N.Irwin & Sons, is one of the fastest growing ruminant feed compounding operations in Northern Ireland. Supplying dairy, beef and sheep producers, province wide, the company had gained a strong repuation for supplying a high quality feed range to meet the specific needs of herd and flock owners. Total emphasis is placed on meeting animals' performance needs in full. Dungannon dairy farmer Billy Kirkland is one of A.N.Irwin's longest standing customers. He manages a 100-strong Holstein/Friesian herd with his son Jonathan.

Billy Kirkland with Jim Irwin

Both Kirklands are confident that milk production does offer them a future.

"But we can't afford to take anything for granted," stressed Billy.

"The cows are our future and every management decision is taken so as to best meet their needs."

The Kirkland herd is predominantly winter calving. This means that the cows are well placed to make best use of grass post turn out, which normally takes place around mid-April. Average yields are currently running at around 6,000 litres. Up to 8 kilos per day of an Irwin's formulated dairy compound is offered to lactating cows during the feeding season.

"The emphasis is very much on simplicity and treating cows on an individual basis," explained Jim Irwin.

"And it's an approach that has paid dividends for the Kirklands over the years. As a company we have had a long working relationship with the family. Our role has been to help meet the full nutritional requirements of the herd and we look forward to strengthening this relationship during the period ahead. Billy and Jonathan pay particular attention to the rearing of replacement heifers."

He added: "This is an aspect of the herd management, which I believe will be fundamental in ensuring its ongoing progress. Irwins has played a role in ensuring that heifers coming in to the herd are well grown and ready to meet the production targets set for them from the first day they enter the milking parlour."

With regard to the next generation of the family, 20 year-old Jonathan confirms that he sees dairy farming as a realistic way forward for him.

"There is scope to develop the farm and going down the pedigree road is one option that we would like to look at," he said.

"But above all else, it's important that we take a flexible approach in terms of moving forward."

Jim Irwin also pointed to the fact that many dairy farmers across Northern Ireland are expressing a fair degree of optimism, particularly with regard to the prospects facing them over the coming winter months.