The farming industry has certainly moved with the times and as the technological age continues to develop so too does the way that farmer’s approach land and livestock.
There is a lot more science involved in the type of feeds given to both cattle and sheep as every detail is now scrutinised down to the finest detail.
There is certainly a lot more decisions in farming than was the case in the past and sometimes farmers may feel the stress of making such decisions on their own.
However, there is one such company in Ireland that is there to advice farmers in every aspect of farming and they are Mallow based company Grasstec Ltd.
Established by Bertie Troy in 1996, Grasstec Ltd is the leading dairy services provider in Ireland and the UK. Hailing from a farming background, Bertie completed college and then spent nine months in New Zealand where he saw an opportunity to set an advisory service to the farming community back home.
“We started out mapping farms for farmers and this was to draw up accurate maps in a user friendly manner. Now our range of services include GPS farm mapping, livestock sourcing specialists, infrastructural farmyard design, paddock & roadway designs, grassland consultancy, planning permission and the supply of a range of useful products for dairy farms,” said Bertie.
Grasstec Ltd now comprises of 18 experienced personnel there to offer their expertise to farmers throughout Ireland, the U.K, France, Luxembourg and Belgium.
“Improving productivity is a challenge for farmers in Ireland and the UK. Grasstec Ltd offer a number of proven key services and products that enhance the productivity of modern farms. Grasstec works with individual farmers to ensure that they are achieving their maximum potential from their farm.
“Our customer base has grown significantly over the years and in the U.K alone, we would have 500 customers and it is something that is growing all the time.”
The grassland consultancy service provided by the company is aimed at targeting the maximum potential for grassland management practices on farms.
“The service consists of regular visits by our consultant to the participant’s farm where the three steps of measurement, budgeting and management are put into action. The regularity and number of visits in the year is tailored towards the expertise of the farmer and all levels of expertise are catered for.”
Grasstec Ltd’s Farm Mapping Service provides accurate and user friendly maps to farmers. The majority of maps that farmers have were first created in the middle of the 19th Century. Since then many changes to the layout of farms have occurred. The maps Grasstec Ltd provide reflect the current layout of a farm and all the measurements are adjusted areas.
For those looking to increase herd sizes Grasstec provide a service that will create a plan showing how paddock sizes can be increased to suit a future herd size. Improving access to fields on a farm can be looked at in terms of adding new roadways. Also new water systems can be designed to support the delivery of adequate water supply for increasing herd sizes. Dimensions are provided to locate all new features.
Farmyard design is another service provided by the company. “We assist farmers who are looking to expand their facilities within the farmyard such as building a new milking parlour, adding additional cubicles & slurry storage. We help take the guesswork out of what are the most effective solutions for any proposed building project. There are huge benefits to planning any development on paper first before starting into any building work. A team of Civil Engineers who reared on farms create plans that will maximise potential and minimise cost over runs.”
Grasstec go that extra mile for their customers and they even take the strain of applying for planning permission away for the farmer.
“We submit planning permission applications especially for Agricultural Projects. There are a number of benefits to this including understanding the planning process. We specialise in agricultural based planning applications. We help simplify the land application and we eliminate the stress with the process. Our design and planning team work closely to achieve successful application results.”
Grasstec Ltd are experienced livestock agents who deliver cattle from farm to farm. This takes the hassle of farmers taking time out from their busy schedule to go to sales.
“We source, supply and deliver quality livestock for your needs. Our livestock services focus on assisting farmers who are looking to source suitable dairy stock for their farm and supporting farmers in sourcing Irish cattle for the UK and European markets. All stock has been viewed and categorised by our experienced livestock agents.
“Our on farm Livestock Services are designed for farmers to source and sell their livestock where both parties are happy with the outcome. Sourcing the correct animals for your farm is vital to achieve high levels of performance and in turn profitability. This is why with our extensive customer base we have access to large volumes of animals in Ireland and we listen to your needs.”
Bertie revealed that there is a lot of repeat custom amongst their customers and he stressed that it is their aim to deliver an excellent service to these clients.
“We are happy with the direction of the business, but we know that we have to try and improve on our standards and increase the business. Looking at the future, we are hoping to expand, but we will only do so, if it is the right decision for us and our customers.”
Grasstec Ltd,
Kilpatrick,
Ballyclough,
Mallow,
Co Cork,
Ireland. P51 V5RK
T: +353 (0)22 27610
W: www.grasstecgroup.com
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 3 No 11, December 2015
