As an active member of the UK Dairy Carbon Network, Cappagh Farms is at the forefront of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while maintaining productivity and animal performance. Located near Omagh in County Tyrone, the farm demonstrates how practical, data-driven management can deliver both environmental and economic benefits within a grass-based dairy system.
Managed day-to-day by Gareth Shortt, on behalf of Cormac Cunningham, Cappagh Farms supplies milk to Strathroy Dairies and participates in both the UK Dairy Carbon Network and the GrassCheck projects. The business operates across two leased sites – an autumn-calving unit established in 2002 and a spring-calving unit added in 2015 – both designed to maximise milk solids production through efficient use of grass.
Over the last two years, Cappagh Farms has adopted a range of measures to cut emissions intensity. The use of sexed semen has improved herd efficiency by reducing the number of non-productive animals. Data collected through GrassCheck supports informed decisions on grazing management and forage quality, underpinning both productivity and sustainability goals.
Looking ahead, as part of the UK Dairy Carbon Network the farm plans to implement targeted GHG mitigation strategies by introducing clover into grass swards to reduce reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertiliser. The use of protected urea will help to cut ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions, while a comprehensive nutrient management plan will optimise fertiliser application and further lower GHG outputs.
Efficient, grass-based milk production
The spring-calving farm covers 119 hectares, which includes a 70-hectare milking platform. The herd consists of 211 Friesian and crossbred cows, supported by 46 maiden heifers and 36 calves. Calving is managed within a six-week block starting on the 1st of February each year, ensuring efficient utilisation of spring grass and a streamlined labour requirement. Over recent years, the breeding strategy has evolved from Holstein to a more robust Friesian and crossbred mix, with a deliberate focus on solids production rather than volume.
Performance data from the 2024 and 2025 seasons reflects the success of this approach. In 2024, cows averaged 5,600 litres with 465 kilograms of milk solids per cow, supported by 1,400 kilograms of concentrate feed. In 2025 to date, the herd has delivered 4,200 litres per cow with 850 kilograms of concentrate, and a current daily yield of 20.4 litres per cow at 4.65% butterfat and 3.84% protein. The current diet includes 13 kilograms of grass, 3 kilograms of silage, and 4 kilograms of concentrate per cow per day.
Precision grassland and focused breeding
Grassland management plays a pivotal role in the farm’s performance. Since 2017, weekly grass measurements have been carried out as part of the GrassCheck project, which includes 48 farms across Northern Ireland. The team consistently achieves grazing targets, with pre-grazing covers of 2,800–3,000 kg DM/ha and post-grazing residuals of 1,500–1,600 kg DM/ha. Management practices include strategic adjustments to grazing areas, concentrate supplementation and careful culling decisions.
Breeding performance is a key focus, with clear targets for the 2025/26 season, including 85% of cows calving within the first six weeks and an empty rate below 10%. Labour is managed efficiently with a small, dedicated team consisting of one full-time and one part-time staff member, supported by two relief milkers. The system has been designed to maintain high performance while minimising labour input, especially during peak periods such as calving.
Together, these measures reflect a strong and proactive approach to farming that balances environmental responsibility with commercial viability.