Nestled in the heart of modern dairy farming is Coopon Carse Farm—an operation that blends generations of farming experience with cutting-edge practices. At the helm is Alex Robertson, the dedicated Farm Manager, whose journey from working on local farms as a school leaver to managing a fully intensive dairy unit exemplifies a commitment to progress.

Farming Roots and a High-Tech Future

Coopon Carse Farm is a fully intensive, year-round indoor system. While some youngstock graze outdoors briefly, the herd—entirely composed of high-performing Holstein Friesians—is primarily housed. From its early days as an organic operation with rotary milking, Coopon Carse has since transitioned to a commercial enterprise with fully robotic milking systems.

“It’s all about consistency and control,” Alex explains. “We’ve learned from experience that our cows thrive best in a tightly managed environment.”

When Challenges Arise: A Strategic Approach to Nutrition

Despite the sophistication of their setup, Coopon Carse is not immune to challenges. Earlier this year, cows began showing signs of milk fever—not straight after calving as expected, but months later. Concerned, Alex collaborated with his vet, independent nutritionist, and the team at Scotmin Nutrition to investigate.

Blood and forage samples revealed a magnesium deficiency. Scotmin’s nutritional expertise proved essential: working together, they fine-tuned the mineral formulation to restore cow health. “It was a real team effort,” says Alex. “Everyone brought something to the table.”

Why Scotmin? A 30-Year Partnership Built on Trust

Scotmin has been a consistent partner on the farm for over 30 years, with Alex working closely with Dougie Watson, Scotmin Sales Manager for more than two decades. “If it’s not broken, we don’t fix it,” he says of the long-standing relationship.

Regular farm visits every other month, annual forage mineral and milk analyses, and on-demand phone support form the backbone of Scotmin’s service. Whether it’s bespoke solutions or insights into feeding strategies, the value is clear: advice rooted in understanding the specific needs of Coopon’s system.

Tailored Nutrition That Works

Scotmin provides Coopon Carse with a hybrid nutritional program—bespoke minerals for lactating cows and calving, as well as products from the standard range like Biobind Safe (a mycotoxin binder) and Solsel salt licks. Additionally, Coopon sources straights from Scotmin, allowing them to adjust the ration while keeping their core mineral program consistent.

“It’s not one-size-fits-all,” Alex notes. “We get minerals tailored to our setup, and the flexibility to adapt without overhauling everything.”

The Payoff: Healthier Herds, Higher Yields, Smarter Systems

The results speak for themselves. Following adjustments to the feeding strategy, Coopon Carse saw improved cow health and faster-than-expected yield increases—especially after introducing robotic milking. The feed rations had to be recalibrated to match the new intake patterns, but the transition was seamless with Scotmin’s input.

Scotmin: A Partner in Every Season

Alex stays in monthly contact with his Scotmin rep and appreciates the consistency and accessibility of their support. “They help us adapt to whatever the season or market throws at us,” he says. “Having someone who understands your farm—it makes all the difference.”

Compared to other suppliers, the personal relationship, hands-on advice, and long-term planning make Scotmin stand out. “Their nutritional advice is critical to our success. I’d recommend their bespoke planning to any serious dairy farmer.”

Looking Ahead: Scaling Up with Scotmin by Their Side

With plans to grow the herd to 500 cows, extend sheds, and add up to one more robot, Coopon Carse Farm is gearing up for the future.  Recent infrastructure investments including new slurry towers, renovating young stock sheds to modernise them with a strong focus on efficiency investing for the future for a profitable business going forward.

“We’re not standing still.” Says Alex.  “And we know Scotmin will be right there with us making sure nutrition keeps pace with everything else”.