Graig Olway Farm, located in Monmouthshire, has been in the Morgan family since the 1940s. Originally a traditional dairy farm, it has evolved into a modern operation milking around 200 high-performing dairy cows. When Russell Morgan returned to the farm in the 1990s, he continued to develop the herd and infrastructure, culminating in 2020 with a new aligned milk contract that provided the confidence to invest further in cow comfort and efficiency.
The Challenge
Like many long-established farms, Graig Olway’s existing buildings were designed for a different era. As William Johnson, from Galebreaker, explains:
“The buildings were built in the late 70s and early 80s – closed up, heavily clad, and dark inside. Today’s high-yielding cows and modern weather conditions make ventilation and lighting major challenges.”
The sheds’ low roofs, cladded sides, and close proximity to each other created poor air circulation and limited light. As Galebreaker’s Animal Welfare Specialist, Chloe Rodriguez, notes:
“The buildings were dark, dingy, and had very little air flow. With wide-span buildings positioned closely together, the prevailing wind couldn’t move through effectively. This created a major risk of heat stress for the cows.”
High-producing cows generate significant body heat, and without proper ventilation, they can experience discomfort, reduced feed intake, and drops in milk yield — all signs of heat stress.
Veterinarian Harry Dibble from Tyndale Vets reinforces the importance of listening to the animals:
“Cows tell you what they need. We monitor their behaviour and use data from temperature and humidity sensors to identify when conditions become stressful and adjust their environment accordingly.”
The Galebreaker Solution
To address these challenges, Galebreaker worked closely with Russell and his team to design a Variable Ventilation System (VVS) tailored to the farm’s needs.
The first step was a smoke test to assess airflow and identify restrictions. The results showed that the buildings were far too enclosed during warmer months.
“Removing the cladding was the obvious first step,” says Will Johnson. “But that doesn’t help in winter. That’s where the VVS comes in – it allows us to enclose the building during cold weather while maintaining light transmission and ventilation. In summer, the curtains can be opened up to maximise airflow.”
The project also incorporated ventilation tubes that deliver targets fresh air directly to cow level, ensuring consistent airflow throughout the shed.
The Results
Russell Morgan has seen significant improvements since installing Galebreaker’s Variable Ventilation System and VentTubes:
“The VVS curtains have transformed the shed. We’d tried different space boarding options for years, but this system has made a huge difference. We’re getting much better airflow and fresher air throughout.”
The benefits were noticeable within the first summer:
- Reduced signs of heat stress
- Improved cow mobility and lower lameness rates
- More consistent feed intake
- Overall better cow health and comfort
“Since installing the technology, we’ve seen better health and performance this summer,” says Russell. “It’s really improved the environment inside the sheds.”
Expert Advice
Chloe Rodriguez offers simple but crucial advice for farmers concerned about heat stress:
“Look, think, and act. Watch your cows – are they standing more, bunching together, or gathering around water troughs? If so, you likely have a heat stress issue. Measure your shed’s Temperature Humidity Index (THI). If it’s over 65–68, it’s time to act – open the building up, increase airflow, and consider mechanical ventilation to help cool your cows.”
Conclusion
By partnering with Galebreaker, Graig Olway Farm successfully modernised its housing environment to meet the needs of today’s high-performing dairy herd. The Variable Ventilation System and targeted airflow design have improved cow comfort, productivity, and long-term herd health – proving that even older buildings can be adapted for modern dairy farming.
Watch the video below
For more information about this project or advice on how to transform your livestock buildings, please get in touch.
