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John is optimistic about the long-term future for the dairy industry and sees an increasing demand for milk. He has a contract to supply Tesco via Arla and believes that if the price remains stable the future looks bright for farmers who are operating efficiently. The DeLaval parlour at Ides Barn in Sussex features sophisticated herd management software that not only monitors yield for each cow but can help spot health problems, divert milk into a dump line if necessary and then divert the animal to a holding pen for treatment. Goodrowes of Chichester installed the equipment, which includes a fully automated plant washer that is activated by the push of a button. The man who will be pushing the button, herds manager Iain Todd, is impressed by the new equipment. The cows too, have comfortable, spacious surroundings and are bedded on sand, which helps keep diseases at bay. The slurry lagoon at Ides Barn is built to nitrate vulnerable zone (NVZ) standards even though the area – north east of Chichester – is not in an NVZ. It’s another bit of Far sighted approach future proofing that reflects the far-sighted approach to the whole complex and means that if the regulations are extended the new facility will already comply with them. The lagoon allows five months’ worth of slurry to be stored on site before being spread. The internal walls of the dairy have a fibreglass surface that means they can be hosed down effectively in order to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness. Jon Carver said the main contractor J D Richmond had done a “first class job.”

Steelwork experts Scorpion Engineering also came in for praise not least for tackling the unusually high structure that makes up half of the general purpose building. The unique four-bayed building is designed to allow an articulated lorry to upend its trailer load of supplements under cover.

“It was a late change to the plans and Scorpion coped admirably with what was a pretty unusual design for a steel-framed building,” said Jon. The other, more conventional half of the general purpose building is currently used for cattle. Scorpion’s Bob Kendall, who has worked closely with Jon on similar projects for 30 years, played a part in the design of the buildings as well as dealing with the fabrication.

“We took Jon’s design criteria and then worked with him to engineer the most efficient and cost-effective buildings for the site,” he explained. “As with all Scorpion projects, we looked carefully at floor levels, the ventilation that is so vital for livestock buildings and the siting of doorways as well as roof materials and cladding. Jon’s experience and attention to detail and the good working relationship he has with the team at Scorpion helped ensure that the end product was of an extremely high standard, fit for 21st century dairying and a pleasant environment for livestock and stockman alike.”

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