JFC Agri launches Evolution S4 Automatic calf feeder in New Zealand

The Evo S4 Automatic includes a dual hopper system, each with a 30kg capacity, and dual mixing bowls, allowing it to dispense two different types of calf milk replacers simultaneously, offering the flexibility to ensure each calf receives the precise nutrition needed for optimal growth and health.

Able to feed up to four calves simultaneously, with individual calf registration via RFID technology, the control unit manages each calf’s feeding schedule. Each animal can be assigned one of seven predefined feed curves tailored to their nutritional needs and rearing objective, ensuring no calf exceeds its allocated feed amount.

The Feeder can reduce the labour hours required for rearing up to 140 calves by as much as 60%, according to the distributor.

Calves are monitored through a traffic light system, with any deviations in feed consumption highlighted for immediate inspection. Historical feed performance is recorded and displayed via dynamic charts on a 7-inch touch screen display, online or via the Evolution App. Calves not consuming their full, daily feed allocation are immediately highlighted for further inspection.

Running 121ha of arable land, and a busy contracting business, Mark Sampson decided to reintroduce over 150 calves to his mixed farm. Like so many modern farmers, he quickly ran into the same old limitation – time. He needed a solution that would take the stress out of calf rearing without compromising on care.

“Our big thing that we were suffering with was lack of time. You could hear the calves bawling, so we set out to research automatic milk feeders and eventually came across and purchased the JFC Evolution System. Now, you don’t hear a thing.”

Praising its intelligent design, ease of use, and consistent performance, Mark says the machine always keeps 300ml of milk ready, at the right temperature, mixed to the right consistency.

“It’s doing a better job than we could do by hand.”

With the touch of a button on the machine or via the app, Mark can check each animal’s intake and act fast if needed. “It gives us reassurance that everything is okay. If we get a red flag, we look at the volume that calf’s taken and check in on them. It’s so simple.”

The farm rears calves of various ages and sizes. Before the introduction of the Evolution, managing individual intakes was a challenge; bigger calves would drink more, while smaller ones often missed out, leading to slower growth and added stress.

Now, the Feeder dispenses individualised feeding in 8-hour cycles, ensuring each calf gets what it needs, when it needs it.

“Everything’s more relaxed,” says Mark. “Calves aren’t excited or crying when we arrive, they’re not waiting for humans to feed them. It’s quieter, calmer, and stress-free.”

The unit has saved time, increased calf performance, and the weaning process is now carefully ramped over 7 days, peaking at 10 litres per day, held for 50 days, and then gradually tapered off, resulting in stronger, more consistent animals.