D father quit milking a couple of years ago i was working in d states at d time. Hes willing to get back in with me. We have a 9 unit parlour in now it started as a 4 unit back in d day and 2 were added to d back in d 90s and 3 more to d front early 2000s. It would just be my father or me milking wed be aiming for 50 cows in a few years could start around 30 for d first year. Land is all in 1 block about 80 to 85 acres
Starting off, you'd want to keep costs as low as possible so maybe fixing/reroofing the parlour and dairy and fitting a secondhand 9 or 10 unit parlour would be the best option, if the old machine can't be used or upgraded easily?
In a couple of years when the system is running and paying its way would be time enough to think about whether a parallel parlour might suit? For a 10 unit parlour, it's the price of a 20 unit parlour and twice the wash volume and cost.
I'd stay with a standard herringbone 10 unit and maybe a small roof extension at the back to keep the rain off while you're milking. With 10 units, you'll milk a lot of cows in an hour.
As rusty has said above , keep your spending as low as possible .
80 to 85 acres of land .
Milking 60 or 70 cows on your own land , and rear a few replacements is quite feasible.
Forget about renting ground . Insanity is the best description of the prices being paid , if around here is anything to go by .
8 runs of 9 cows is 72 , current set up that s a grand number for it .
If you decide to build , a calf house will be built cheaper than a parlour. Providing location suits now . Feeding area behind parlour , equals collecting yard .
Calf housing . You will hardly be rearing anymore than 12 to 15 heifer replacements ? If you rear more , cow numbers may take a hit ?
From personal experience, a meal bin and feeders , and milk tank with auto washer , will save more time , than an extra unit or two in the parlour .
Fancy parlour won't put more money in your pocket .
Like has been said in the tillage forum ,
If there was an open day in Kellys Of Borris , there would be hundreds of farmers there , drooling over shiny paint.
If there was a crop walk, there wouldn't be 20 people present .
Which day out would make the bigger difference to potential profit ?