McHugh Farms
Milking off the grid
Ben and Katie McHugh’s off-the-grid robotic milking farm in Mount Compass showcases how integrating renewable energy, automated milking systems, and sustainable practices have provided a financially viable and environmentally sustainable solution tailored to the long-term needs of their business.
Two years ago, Ben McHugh, a third-generation farmer, his wife Katie, and their family decided to future-proof their dairy farm at Mount Compass by building a new, energy-efficient robotic dairy that operates completely off the grid. With climate pressures, rising energy costs, and long-term farm resilience in mind, Ben designed the dairy to run on renewable energy, integrating technology and sustainability without compromising profitability or animal welfare.
The system is powered by a 100kW solar array and 200kWh of battery storage, allowing the dairy to operate day and night without drawing power from the grid. Ben worked with MyEnergy at Lonsdale to install the solar and battery system, ensuring the solution was both technically sound and financially viable. The design prioritises energy efficiency, with a glycol chiller that cools the milk instantly, and an energy recovery system that preheats hot water, reducing energy costs.
Animal welfare was a core priority, with four DeLaval robotic milking machines allowing cows to be milked voluntarily, on their own schedule. This has led to better animal health, reduced stress, fewer health issues, and improved fertility. Healthier cows live longer, reducing the need for as frequent herd replacements, contributing to lower emissions intensity per litre of milk.
Ben also invested in perennial pastures that are deeper-rooted and less reliant on annual renewal. These pastures provide more stable productivity, adapt better to changing climates, and improve soil carbon. Native shrubs and trees have been planted around watercourses and paddock edges to provide shelter, protect biodiversity, and support the health of the landscape. Effluent from the dairy is processed on-site—solids are composted and spread onto paddocks, while effluent water is irrigated over pastures, improving soil nutrition and reducing the need for synthetic inputs.
The property is supported by a bore-fed trough system across grazing zones, ensuring cows have constant access to water without relying on dams or natural waterways. This system is more waterwise, drought-prepared, and improves animal welfare.
Ben’s experience highlights the importance of finding solutions that align with both the farm’s needs and sustainability goals. By adopting energy-efficient systems like solar and battery storage, he’s reduced reliance on external resources and kept costs manageable. The integration of robotics and a focus on animal welfare has also improved health and productivity. A key lesson has been the value of making thoughtful investments that support the environment and the farm’s bottom line, building resilience and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Please note that the information provided has been submitted by the organisation and has not been independently verified.
