The Smyth family farm is a perfect example of Ireland’s green image in the heartland of Lakeland country, bordered by two lakes.
There are three generations living on this farm. Ivor and his wife Audrey have three teenage girls, Dawn (19), Amy (16) and Jessica (12). Ivor’s parents Robert and Roberta, also live on the farm. Whilst Robert is officially retired, he will still enjoys being in the yard at 6.00am every morning to help bring the cows in for milking.
Ivor is very proud of the farm, is open to new advice and ideas and says it is important for him to achieve top quality results but it is equally important for his creamery.
Ivor’s farm is registered and certified for the Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme, achieving a 100% score. “The farm is not over intensive,” says Ivor. There is space to expand the herd sustainably as he can replace beef cattle with new cows.
“I believe it is important to pass the farm on to the next generation, reflecting some improvements I have made since I started farming.”
Farm Fact File:
Farm: 144 hectares, 44 hectares grazing
45 cows, average herd yield 5,926 litres
TBC 7
SCC: 147
Butterfat: 4.10%
Protein: 3.49%
Lactose: 4.73%
Thermodurics: 1.113
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