Simon Meredith’s experience with AHV

Meet Simon Meredith, a seventh-generation farmer based just outside Tandragee, where he farms in partnership with his father. Their operation revolves around 100 Holstein Friesian crossbred cows, each producing an average of 9,000 litres with 3.3 protein and 4.3 fat. They’ve embraced modern farming techniques, including two Lely A5 milk robots, with the first one installed in 2021 and the second in February 2023.

After farming beef and sheep for years, Simon took the leap and shifted his operations to dairy production in 2021. With clear goals from the beginning the duo set out to achieve a healthier cow, with better fertility, good on the legs and feet, while driving production.

Discovering AHV

The introduction to AHV came through David, the AHV Consultant who visited Simon on farm and introduced them to the AHV approach. Recognising the potential benefits for their cows, they decided to give it a try.

Putting the concept to work

“We use the Extra Tablet, the Aspi Tablet and the Booster in the begin of the lactation. After calving we use the StartLac Paste and a calcium bolus. From when we started using the products, we’ve seen great improvement in udder health.”

“We use the Booster Tablet 10 days before the voluntary waiting period to boost the cows fertility.

When we see a conductivity raise, we use the Extra Tablet if the cow comes under udder health challenges to support her. We use the Booster for some of the high yielding cows just 10 days before we know heat is coming. The Aspi Tablet in used for aiding the recovery of the udder challenges.“

Using farm data to effectively combat challenges

David, their AHV Advisor, plays a pivotal role in their proactive approach. He conducts monthly visits and thoroughly reviews the milking robot reports, examining conductivity and rumination data. Based on this analysis, he provides expert advice on which AHV products would be most beneficial.

Simon adds “We’re taking a proactive approach to combat challenges and support the cow as much as possible. Our hopes for the future is that we would like to produce higher quality milk, a longer lasting cows with good udders. I think AHV can help us to achieve that.”