The Fox Family Farm: Sustainability, Innovation, and Excellence in Dairy Farming
The 2024 Kerry Agribusiness Quality and Sustainability Award judges selected the Fox family’s farm as the winner due to its exceptional balance of sustainability, innovation, and milk quality. From their environmental practices to their clever use of technology on the farm and overall herd management, the Fox family exemplifies the future of dairy farming. Below are the key elements that made their farm a standout.
Sustainability Achievements
The Fox family has gone above and beyond in reducing their environmental footprint, achieving a carbon intensity of 0.8, significantly below Kerry Agribusiness’s weighted average. This success stems from their active participation in the Evolve Dairy Sustainability Programme, which guided the implementation of 10 incentivised practices, including:
- Protected Urea Fertilisers: Protected urea reduces on-farm ammonia emissions, supporting reduced overall greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.
- Reduced-Protein Diet: By tailoring the herd’s diet, the family minimises the amount of protein imported onto the farm as well as reducing nitrogen excretion in Urine, which in turn reduces nitrogen loss from the farm.
- Clover Reseeding: Incorporating clover into their pastures has significantly decreased the need for chemical nitrogen, leading to healthier soil and reduced input costs.
Their dedication to water management is equally impressive. In 2023, the family installed a reed bed system to filter greywater leaving the farmyard. This innovative solution ensures that runoff entering nearby watercourses is clean, protecting local ecosystems while showcasing cost-effective and scalable environmental practices.
Innovative Farm Practices
The Fox family has demonstrated remarkable ingenuity in streamlining their farm operations, making their day-to-day work more efficient and productive. Key innovations include:
- A 30-teat calf feeder designed to attach to the loader for ease of use, allowing for efficient calf feeding while reducing manual labour.
- A 24-unit milking parlour with feed-to-yield monitoring, enabling real-time adjustments to improve cow productivity and detect potential health issues early.
Their precision in grassland management further sets them apart. Ian Fox takes charge of grass measurement while John allocates the grass to the herd on a daily basis. GPS technology on the tractor ensures precise fertiliser and slurry application. This meticulous approach combined with a focus on optimising soil fertility has led to optimal sward composition, improved pasture quality, and a reduced environmental footprint for the farm.
Milk Quality and Herd Management
The Fox family’s focus on genetics and herd health has yielded impressive results. Their herd of Holstein Friesians boasts an Economic Breeding Index (EBI) of €231, highlighting their commitment to improving fertility and milk output. With each cow producing an average of 540 kg of milk solids annually, their milk output is among the best.
The family’s proactive management includes seven annual milk recordings and the use of selective dry cow therapy, ensuring good udder health while reducing antibiotic usage. These measures not only uphold high milk production standards but also align with consumer demand for sustainable and ethical dairy products.
Recognition and Broader Impact
At the awards ceremony, James O’Connell, General Manager of Kerry Agribusiness, praised the Fox family for their innovative approach to dairy farming, particularly their commitment to sustainability and efficiency. These awards are part of Kerry Agribusiness’s broader mission to promote excellence across its supplier network. The Kerry Agribusiness Quality and Sustainability Awards recognise farms that exemplify the balance of innovation, high-quality milk production, and environmentally conscious practices.
A key factor in the Fox family’s success is their participation in the Evolve Dairy Sustainability Programme, a foundational initiative of KDI. This programme equips farmers with practical tools, guidance, and financial incentives to adopt measures that significantly reduce the overall environmental footprint of food production.. Farms like the Foxes’ not only achieve impressive sustainability milestones but also set an example for others in the Knowledge Transfer Programme, inspiring progress across the industry.
Celebrating Excellence Across Ireland
The awards also recognised outstanding contributions from other finalists, including:
- Cremin family from Ballyagran, Co. Limerick (runner-up)
- O’Connor family from Ballyheigue, Co. Kerry
- Mangan family from Beaufort, Co. Kerry
- Culligan family from Kilimer, Co. Clare
Farms like the ones featured in this article are part of a tradition of excellence recognised by Kerry Agribusiness. For instance, just last year the Troy family, the 2023 Agribusiness Open Day Sustainability Award winners, also demonstrated outstanding commitment to sustainability, showcasing innovations that continue to inspire other milk suppliers.
Conclusion
The Fox family’s award-winning practices exemplify the future of sustainable dairy farming in Ireland. By balancing innovative solutions with environmental responsibility, they have set a high standard for the industry. Kerry Agribusiness is proud to support farmers like the Fox family, whose achievements contribute to a greener, more productive future for Irish dairy.
Learn more about Kerry Dairy Ireland’s sustainability initiatives or contact us with questions or partnership inquiries.
