Situated in the scenic townland of Coolnaclehy in Skibbereen, County Cork, is the Lynch family farm, a jewel of Irish dairy excellence and proud representative of Drinagh Co-op in the 2024 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.
With a rich farming history dating back to 1828, the Lynch family, led by Oliver and Sheila, have not only maintained, but elevated the legacy of this land, embodying the spirit of innovation, sustainability, and community that these awards seek to champion.
Oliver Lynch, the fifth generation to farm here, took over the reins of the family farm at the young age of 22 after a stint in Clonakilty Agricultural College. Over the years, Oliver has grown the farm from a modest 35-cow operation on 120 acres to the thriving enterprise it is today, with 162 cows grazing on 262 acres. This spring-calving herd, primarily consisting of Friesians with a touch of Jersey-cross, is a testament to Oliver's passion for breeding and herd management, a passion that has seen two bulls from his herd purchased by Eurogene AI.
One of the standout features of the Lynch farm is its embrace of cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices. For 30 years, Oliver has been dedicated to milk recording and the introduction of Censortec heat and health monitoring collars has not only enhanced the health and productivity of the herd but also eliminated the need for bulls, creating a safer environment for the Lynch children—Kate (11), Aine (8), and Patrick (6)—who are deeply involved in farm life. Thirty percent of dairy sires used were sexed and the herd has an average EBI of 245. The replacement rate is 18%.
The farm's commitment to sustainability is further highlighted by its GPS-mapped pastures, which allow for precise grass management. Oliver has incorporated red clover and multispecies swards. These practices not only enhance soil health but also contribute to the farm's overall environmental stewardship. The Lynch farm is a shining example of how modern farming techniques can be harmoniously integrated with nature, as evidenced by the serene woodland along the Ilen River that borders the property and the historic ‘wedding’ and ‘mass’ trees.
The Lynch family farm is very much a family affair, with each member playing a vital role in its success. Sheila, who works part-time off the farm, manages all the administrative requirements and, along with the children, takes charge of calf rearing with the help of an automatic calf feeder. Despite their busy schedules, both Oliver and Sheila are active in their local community, coaching underage GAA teams in camogie, football, and hurling—a testament to their commitment to fostering the next generation both on and off the farm.
Oliver's leadership extends beyond his own farm, as demonstrated by the successful Animal Health Ireland Dry Cow Therapy workshop hosted at the farm in 2022. A dedicated advocate for reducing dry cow antibiotic therapy to the bare minimum, Oliver has used sealants only on half of his herd for the past three years with a cut off threshold of having never exceeded a SCC of 100 during lactation. He has a comprehensive vaccination strategy and all male calves are sold on farm. The careful approach to animal health and welfare is mirrored in his judicious use of anthelmintics and flukicides, with fecal testing guiding all treatments.
As impressive as the Lynch farm is today, its future looks even brighter. Major renovations are underway, including the construction of a new 24-unit Dairymaster parlour and calf shed, which will be ready for the next season. These upgrades will further enhance the farm's efficiency and capacity, ensuring that the Lynch family remains at the forefront of Irish dairy farming.
Oliver's mother, Mary, still lives on the farm and offers a living link to its storied past. Her tales of hand-milking cows and filtering milk with a muslin-lined filter on top of creamery cans serve as a poignant reminder of how far the farm has come in her lifetime.
Despite the demands of running a large-scale dairy operation, the Lynchs understand the importance of balance. If the farm didn’t take enough of his energy, Oliver trained for, and ran in, the Dublin marathon in 2019 and finds time to sing in the local choir. This ability to balance hard work with family time and personal passions is a hallmark of the Lynch approach to life and farming.
As the buildup to the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards continues, the Lynch family farm stands as a shining example of what can be achieved with dedication, innovation, and a deep respect for both tradition and progress. Representing Drinagh Co-op with pride, the Lynch family embodies the very best of Irish dairy farming—a legacy of excellence that continues to thrive in the heart of County Cork.
Key stats:
Cow numbers: 162
Herd EBI: 242
Milk Supply (ltrs): 890,641
Concentrates kg / cow: 900
Milk solids kg / cow: 465
Fat % (weighted): 4.45
Protein % (weighted): 3.71
Milking units: 14
TBC (‘000 weighted): 10
SCC (‘000 weighted): 93
Proportion of herd using selective dry cow: 47%
Proportion of nitrogen protected urea used: 50%
Grass measures per year: 30
Carbon footprint: 0.94
