Field of Expertise

Dondale Holstein Friesian herd

Field of expertise

Club field evening hosts share the story of their herd and the experience and expectation of preparing for and hosting their field evenings

Kildare Club

Dondale Herd

known families have been added to the herd including Ashlyn, Aiko, Ebony, Evon, Robin, Roxy, Shania and Shower.

Doran FAmily, Avondale House, Donadea, Naas, Co. Kildare

Recent herd achievements include Kildare Herds Competition Overall Senior Section winners 2016; 1st November calf - National Calf Show 2014; Kildare Show Champion Calf 2017; 2nd March calf National Calf Show 2017.

The family farm was purchased in 1964 and the herd was graded upto pedigree in the early 90s to improve the quality and value of the herd. The herd is now 100% Holstein with current breeding emphasis on improving milk solids and dairy strength, while maintaining the current progress in health, production and type traits.

We were honoured to host our second Kildare field evening in May, following a break of 15 years. The evening was a success with great weather and a large turn out. The Master Judge on the night was Pat Tuite from the North Eastern Club and the winner on the night was Gerry Flynn. The field evenings are a very important part of the club. They are a great way for club members to meet to improve their stock knowledge and also a valuable social event

110 spring and autumn calving cows, averaging 9,000kgs milk and 620kgs solids in 305days

Prominent cow families in the herd for many years are Emma, Bonny, Gladys, Lilac and Emblem. In recent years a number of well

Thanks to all who attended - the Doran family.

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Cork Club

Radney Herd Henry O’ Keeffe, Knockilla, Freemount, Charleville, Co. Cork

627kgs milk solids per cow in 2016 70% of the herd classified VG/EX

The Radney herd was established in 1987.

We produce milk for manufacturing and the herd is all spring calving. Last year we milked 85 cows, averaging 8,124kgs milk, 3.94% fat, 3.78% protein. The herd won 1st place Spring Calving Section in the Cork Club Herds Competition this year.

been purchased for AI. At the IHFA Premier Bull Sale this year, three Radney bulls sold for a combined total of €8,250 while an individual sale price of €5,500 was realised at a previous sale.

The pedigree cert identifies generations of breeding at a glance. This is a unique verification or assurance stamp for the performance of my animals which is very important to me not only when offering stock for sale but it is also is a helpful management tool.

Herd breeding policy is to select for functional conformation, good udders and legs & feet, volume of milk solids, protein % and also Mother and daughter.

Radney BYJ Deborah VG89, 1st Senior Cow and Radney YRY Deborah VG85 1st Heifer in Milk in the stock judging hosted by the Radney Herd.

BYJ Deborah VG89 is dam of Radney Mill, recently purchased

by Eurogene and Deborah VG85 is a full sister

My father had built up a good herd which unfortunately was undone following depopulation. In hindsight it proved to be a major turning point as I decided to establish a pedigree registered herd upon re-stocking. I was fortunate to purchase select cow families from the Ardrahan herd of the Burns family, Kanturk. In particular the Odetta, Gerard, Ostrich and Deborah families have been a tremendous success. These families have delivered generation after generation for milk solids, protein % and functionality, and this has opened up a market outlet for the sale of breeding bulls. Five Radney-bred bulls have

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milk volume. Fertility is also an important consideration. It’s all about trying to get the best performance from cows with regard to milk sales, value of progeny, herd seasonal pattern and getting the most from grazed grass. Classification is a helpful tool to identify functionality and its then how you use the information to best effect. Cows that are long lasting means there is surplus breeding stock available for sale. We expect to have heifers and breeding bulls available for sale early in the new year.

Radney Seal Odetta EX90 3E was the foundation dam in the herd. She produced

16 progeny and was the first cow to achieve 4% protein.

One of her daughters, Radney Merci Odetta 4 EX93 8E, is now heartily in her 15th lactation and still going strong with a lifetime production of 3,853kgs fat, 3485kgs protein, 3.55% protein.

Radney QUR Odetta EX93 7E is a grand-daughter of the Rock Seal cow and she, more than most, has propelled the family into the limelight. She is currently in her 9th lactation and has bred 8 daughters including 3 ETs. Both Pair of Radney Levi 5 (YRY) daughters her son Radney Levi 5 (YRY) and grand son Radney Steve ET solids.

(FR4098) have been selected to enter AI. Radney MWL Odetta 3 VG87 is the dam of The Gerrard family is also firmly established, Radney Steve and she is full sister to Radney exemplified by Radney QUR Gerrard 2 EX92 Levi 5. She has a projected 2nd lactation yield 3E, now in her 6th lactation. In her 4th of 9,732kgs milk, 4.20% fat, 3.66% protein lactation she produced 9,515kgs milk, 4.47% 765kgs milk solids. fat, 3.95% protein 801kgs milk solids.

Radney MIW Odetta 2 EX92 5E in her 6th lactation 10,328kgs milk, 784kgs milk solids, 3.63% protein (303 days). Of note, she calved in as a heifer on January 26th and calved again in the month of January every successive year with her 8th calving this year occurring in February.

Radney DUT Odetta EX91 3E with a 3rd lactation yield of 10,409kgs milk, 885kgs solids, 3.80% protein.

Radney DUT Odetta 6 VG87with a 3rd lactation yield of 9,435kgs milk, 722kgs solids, 4.05% protein.

Radney RXO Odetta VG89 with a 2nd lactation yield of 9,549kgs milk, 722kgs solids, 3.72% protein.

The Deborah family also excels for production, conformation and longevity, with 16 natural born members of the family currently in the herd.

Radney OOK Deborah EX90 2E in her 3rd lactation is predicted to produce 9,080kgs milk, 4.65% fat, 4.00% protein, 785kgs milk

The Cork Club is a tremendously positive forum and I thoroughly enjoy being a member and taking part. I have made many friends from being involved over the years. You get to meet like-minded people and it is a valuable source of experience and ideas. The events throughout the year are varied in terms of location and topic which helps broaden the mindset. Winning the Spring Section of the Herds Competition was a great thrill.

My son Liam is in his final year studying Agricultural Science in CIT and the prospect of him returning to the farm is a big positive for the future.

Hosting the field evening was a great experience. Admittedly the workload did increase in advance however looking back now there is a great level of satisfaction. The evening was so enjoyable meeting people who had travelled to view the herd and of course I got a great lift from the positive comments.

I’d like to thank all who attended on the night and also to those who have purchased in the past, I hope that the stock will be lucky and successful in their new herds.

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northeastern Club

Maurill Herd

Patrick Tuite & Family, Ardcath, Garristown, Co. Dublin Optimal cow comfort paving the way for top class liquid milk

The herd is backboned by select purchases in the early 1980s from renowned herds in the local area, such as Elmgrove herd of E & P McCullouch, Clonswords herd Peter McCullough; Moneymore herd JJ Kelly; the Miss America family, Monamore herd of Tom Kelly; and the Jane family from the Robertstown herd of Baron Kende, Kildare.

In addition, some select breeding lines were sourced from renowned herds further afield, including the Kentucky family purchased at the Ballyfree herd dispersal sale and also the Sunflower family from Lisduff. Coinciding with this move into pedigree tock we became involved in the North Eastern Club and it has been a tremendous help in terms of being both an educational and social outlet to meet like-minded people.

From the outset we focused on the use of top AI Bulls as a catalyst to drive herd progress.

From as early as 1985 we were using DIY AI and had a policy of purchasing the top bulls available in AI. Bulls from that early era who stand out in terms of positive impact include Barold Rock Seal, Avondale Fancy Marquis, Bridon Astro Jet, Townson Lindy. In later years Jed, Formation Luke and Bellwood impressed.

Our emphasis was to drive improvements in herd production, conformation and overall quality and North American genetics was certainly a key driver in that regard.

We have been milk recording from the outset and also graded up the herd to full pedigree status.

Our milk supply is 80% liquid with the herd calving pattern split 70% autumn and 30% spring. The herd is milked through a 16-unit automated Fullwood milking parlour and the diet consists of a TMR mix, including brewers grains and quality silages. Last year’s milk recorded averages were 8311kgs milk, 3.82%

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fat, 3.28% protein and 586kgs milk solids.

Pedigree status is of vital importance. It has added hugely to the farm business over the years. Herdbook registration with IFBA and IHFA was the vehicle to help realise herd development. The pedigree cert is official recognition of recorded performance over three generations. The use of classification is a yardstick to reflect herd breeding policy and decisions. There is a great sense of personal achievement and satisfaction when cows attain excellent (EX) and also when generations of a cow family score highly on classification.

This personal buzz helps offset the daily grind which we all have as farmers. Quality cow families are the backbone to the herd and the list includes; • Maurill Miss America 6 VG87 - a Goldsun from the Shottle bred Maurill Miss America 2 EX92 3E daughter of the initial purchase Monamore Miss America 17 EX91 2E. • The Caress family tracing back to a purchase from Canada, Maurill PNH Macow 847 EX93 2E, Maurill Lavanguard Caress 1218 EX90 who has promising milking daughters by Levi and Guarini.

• Maurill VSC Kentucky VG88 by Voasc Man and her Pellerat Dynamite daughter Maurill XPD Kentucky fresh after calving-in with a Nadal heifer.

• Of the Sunflower family - Maurill Legend Sunflower VG88, Maurill Bay-Bob Sunflower VG88, Maurill Laudan Sunflower VG87 are prominant.

Pedigree and the use of classification helps realise longevity, so we have surplus stock available for sale most years and buyers will only spend money on quality. Over the years a core of satisfied customers has built up and we have repeat private sales and also through Taaffe Auctions’ Carnaross dairy sales. When you offer stock for sale that is backed up by traceability and records over many generations it removes the element of guesswork for buyers.

We continue to select bulls for functional type bred from solid cow families having +2 points on type with good feet & legs, correct udders and positive for protein %. We are also

looking at health traits as this is another important tool when selecting sires. The herd consists of high scored, mature cows

by Shottle, Boliver, Buckeye, Damion, O-Man. Youngstock from Guarini, Lureck, Mogul, Flame and Perseus looks promising for the future. So far, our experience with the North American genomic sires has been good. I am happy with the milking daughters of Pellerat Dynamite, Stantons Eldor and Delta Trading.

The North Eastern Club has played a big part in our lives having been involved since its foundation. We have made many good friends along the way. I am a committee member since the early days and served as Chairman in the past. The herd has been very fortunate to achieve success in the Herds Competition including Overall Winner Production & Inspection 2013.

Hosting the field evening was an honour and looking back it truly was a tremendous success with a great turnout. Over 100 people attended, it was a beautiful summer evening and the stock were looking well. I received so many positive comments. There were many phone calls afterwards from people to say how much they enjoyed the occasion

Galway Club

CAHERGAL Herd

Declan, Kathy, Kayla & Cathal Murphy, Kilbeg, Headford, Co. Galway

100 cows on 60 acre grazing platform averaging over 600kgs ms/cow

The herd was founded over 50 years ago by my parents, Thomas and Mary, both of whom still maintain an active interest in the continuing development of the herd. It is due to their interest, dedication and foresight that I was able to assume management of a productive and healthy herd of cows in 2002.

Until recent years the herd was bred entirely from stock bulls sourced from the Kilcahill

Declan and Thomas Murphy, Cahergal herd herd of Martin Cahill. More recently we have used AI sires selected for milk, protein and functional type. We also retain a number of bulls for breeding that descend from our proven cow families. We produce milk all year round supplying Arrabawn co-op. Current herd average is 8,404kgs milk, 3.62% fat, 3.45% protein with over 600kgs milk solids.

There are 60 acres available for grazing for the herd of 100 cows. The land is very free draining and it burns up very quickly in dry weather. Therefore we must supplement at grass and this has to be justified by adequate milk yield per cow response. Therefore we select sires who are a good positive for milk kgs in order to achieve an economic level of feed conversion efficiency. We feed a 16% nut at grass and then feed 18% nut plus grass silage ad lib during the winter. We recognise that efficient use of grass is a key factor in overall profitability and we continually strive to maximise utilisation of quality grass. Recently we have used a Zero Grazer which has facilitated improvements. We feel that it has been a beneficial and profitable investment.

We are convinced that to get the most out of our cows we must look after the nutritional requirements constantly and so far our cows have rewarded us for the input.

The herd had pedigree status when I took over the farm. My parents had the foresight

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and appreciation in maintaining good records over the years. When one sees the animals on paper plus their ancestry and production it is then easy to identify the best performing animals and to also identify the better, more profitable cow families. Noted families in the herd include Jansje (Jansje 17 EX90 8,618kgs milk, 3.49% fat, 3.51% protein, 604kgs milk solids), Alice, Agatha, Vixen, Reita, Kelly (Guardi Kelly 886 VG88, 2nd lactation, 7,960kgs milk, 3.49% fat, 3.48% protein, 555kgs milk solids).

We classify the herd on a regular basis. It is a super tool for identifying and highlighting functional characteristics. Functional conformation is key to the expression of longevity. We select our AI sires based on the performance in both milk recording and IHFA classification. Current selection criteria includes plus for milk and solids %, good udders, legs & feet, and wide, capacious body capable of handling large intakes of grass and silage.

In recent years we have used Morningview Legend, Vaculuse, Crest, Jerudo, Nog Guardi, Topspeed Kodak and Sir Ridgedale Rustler Red. Pedigree status, milk recorded and type classified has delivered extra income through the sale of breeding bulls and surplus females.

Being involved in the Galway Club has been a source of enjoyment and education. It is a fantastic outlet and there are so many good breeders in the area. It offers many benefits to members thanks to the commitment and vision of the committee members in developing activities relevant to dairy cattle breeding and management. There are elements for all the family to enjoy. The YMA club is very progressive and it is brilliant to watch the enthusiasm of the young members taking part in the Calf Show.

The Herds Competition was re-invigorated a few years ago and taking part helps focus on optimising herd performance day-today. Having placed 3rd in the Over 100-cow Section in 2015 it was a tremendous boost to achieve 1st place last year and to repeat the achievement again this year. The herd took part in the IHFA National Herd Competition this year and it was a great honour to be involved

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and to be put forward by the club.

We were honoured when asked by the club to host the annual stockjudging and thankfully the sun shone on the day, July 2nd. It was very enjoyable and I received a great boost from turning out the stock. The event was helped greatly by sponsorship from J. Grennan & Sons, over the years I have received great advice from Martin Garvey the area rep.

The comments and feedback were very complimentary. Thanks to Master Judge, Mike McNamara, Barna herd, Co. Cork. He was very generous with his time and comments.

Slaney Club

Cathu Herd

Noel & Michael Kehoe, Battlestown, Ramsgrange, New Ross, Co. Wexford.

120 spring calving cows. 550kgs milk solids per cow 2016

The Cathu herd was established in 2000 after depopulation with BSE in 1999. 40 nonpedigree cows were bought in from one herd, with the help of the IHFA all these cows were graded up and one of them - Cathu Lily went on to win a Diamond Award. The rest of the cows were bought from pedigree herds namely Tissassonfarm, Sliabhreigh and Crory herds.

Breeding pedigree cows is of huge importance to our overall business. It adds value to our stock and helps breed the best and most profitable cows. The most prominent cow families would be the Arizona, Durkje and Hollette families. These three are almost all red and white cows. The Jenny, Rika and Cara would be the main black and white families.

When selecting bulls to use we pay particular attention to type, trying to avoid high pins and improve chest width in particular. This is always done in parallel with trying to improve butterfat and protein percentages and striving to achieve a 365 day calving interval. Cows are all classified once a year and these results play a role in breeding decisions on the farm.

Cathu Lew Zona Red EX94 3E The Cathu herd was placed 3rd in the National Herds Competition in 2008. We have been making steady progress through the Slaney Club Herds Competition and it was an honour to represent the club at national level in 2008.

The Slaney Holstein Friesian Breeders Club is of huge importance and it’s a great social outlet to meet like-minded people and share ideas and experiences.

Hosting the field evening was a very enjoyable experience we were blessed to get a very fine evening in mid-June. It is always great to get other people’s views and opinions good or bad in relation to our herd. We would like to thank Eamon Coleman who was our Master Judge on the evening and also Paul Boal who provided a classification demonstration on the night.

An enjoyable outing was had by all with no leftovers in sight after the refreshments.

Kerry Club

Tobermartin Herd James Egan, Tarmons East, Tarbert, Co Kerry.

80 cow spring calving herd 600 650kgs milk solid output per annum.

The herd was graded up to pedigree in 2016.

This service was an eye-opener for me in terms of the use of breeding records accumulated over the years. The historical information we had maintained meant that there was a lot of pedigree cows in the herd. The grade up process also immediately identified the power of cow families. This was a window to sell stock bulls bred from pedigree cows having high EBI and high milk solids and also the sale of surplus pedigree in-calf heifers.

Cow families developed in herd - Tobermartin Fal Pat 325 EX91 3E won IHFA Diamond Award 2016 and Tobermartin Mau Bunty 235 won IHFA Gold Award 2016. Both cow families are long lasting fertile cows with great production of milk solids and maturing into excellent (EX) on conformation.

Other prominant families include Jackie, Bunty, Nuala who rank high on EBI. The Aoife, Lady and Katie families are very consistant families for type and conformation.

QG Europe (QUR) and Hairy Breiz (HRZ) are two bulls who had a very positive impact on the herd in the past. QUR bred cows with average size, strength and great protein helping to establish great cow families.

Numero Uno, Lavaman and Spencer are bulls recently used and I am very happy with their progeny. Bulls currently being used include Perseus, Raphael, Crayon and Barcode.

The most important trait I select for at present is the health trait. Although, just a small weighing on the EBI, positive health traits are the most important for the future of any herd. I like to breed cows that will last in the herd so an easy maturing cow that will score good plus (GP) at 2 years old and go on

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Noel Scanlon, Dairymaster; Wiliam Horgan, Kerry Club; Martina & James Egan, Leo Collins, Kerry Club Treasurer and Pat Ryan, Dairymaster

to develop and mature into VG as second or third calver and hopefully then develop further into excellent (EX). In my experience this is the cow type for longevity. Total production of milk solids crucially important as cows eat kilos and produce kilos not percentages.

I use IHFA services to grade up the herd and increase value, but also to develop new cow families. Classification cows helps me to improve herd conformation. I use IHFA for the genomic evaluation of all male calves registered and some of the females. I have had a great experience with the three IHFA classifiers and each has left their mark in our herd and the continued development of each cow family.

I worked my way up through the categories in the Kerry Club Herds Competitions since 2009 from Junior to Intermediate to Senior categories.

• • • • • • •

2011 - Spring Intermediate 3rd place 2012 - Spring Intermediate 1st place 2014 - Spring Intermediate 2nd place 2015 - Spring Senior 3rd place 2016 - Spring Senior 3rd place 2017 - Spring Senior 2nd place Winner of Spring overall Herd Conformation - delighted with this award.

The Kerry Holstein Friesian Breeders Club is a great way to meet like-minded people

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and to share ideas and experiences from committed Holstein Friesian breeders who breed outstanding cows locally. The club organises some very interesting information sessions on herd nutrition, AI and this year they are holding a silage quality competition in conjunction with Agri-King which will help farmers to focus on forage quality.

My experience of hosting the club field evening and stock judging event was a fantastic opportunity to showcase my herd, which I have worked hard to build up over the last decade. It was also an honour to be asked by the Chairman, John Walsh. While I appreciate that some club members may be hesitant to hold the event, I can verify that it is a rewarding experience and can often result Tobermartin Lavaman Lady VG86 and Tobermartin AXN Aofe VG89

in the host learning more than you might gain from visiting other herds. It is also an informal way of meeting other club members and there is strength in numbers. We had a great turnout on the night and a special thank you to Robert Helen, our Master Judge.

Breffni Oriel Club

DRUMSHANNY Herd

Trevor and Lynne Williamson & family Red and White breeding & aiming for 8,000kg average

My grand father started a milking herd on the farm in 1950 and growing up I was very interested in the cows. It was a natural progression to register the herd soon after taking over from my parents Nan and Ian R.I.P. The Drumshanny herd was registered in 2012 with IHFA and we graded up to attain pedigree status. I was pleasantly surprised with the number of pedigrees achieved at the outset. We always appreciated a good, hard working cow and it seemed a natural fit to progress by officially recording the information.

Unfortunately, a major TB breakdown in the herd last year severely dented plans as we lost 51 in-milk cows and heifers including seven EX cows. This was a major setback and it was difficult to endure the lost genetic potential and also the lost herd production and output.

However there was only one way to respond and as the saying goes “Thankfully it was all outside the family door�.

Gradually, the herd is increasing in numbers over time. For the past number of years I kept and reared all heifer calves born each year through to calving down and would then sell in-milk cows and heifers. This strength in numbers was a major asset last year following the outbreak. Pedigree status and classification records were a major financial help when undergoing the valuations procedure.

Presently we are milking 64 cows and with 48 heifers included it is an immature profile. I

have a strong liking for Red & White Holstein cows and have been breeding to these bloodlines over a number of years. 80% of the herd is now Red & White. There seems to be a perception held by some that Red & White Holsteins have inferior milk production however this is certainly not my experience. As a consequence of the TB disruption endured last year, over 50% of the milking herd this year consists of heifers and we are projected to achieve herd average of 8,000kgs milk.

Taking part at shows is an interest all the family enjoys. Our three daughters Rebekah, Sarah and Hannah are all very involved in YMA and enjoy showing calves at each opportunity.

In addition to taking part in the Baileys Champion Cow we exhibited at a number of shows this year; Drumshanny Gold Dusk Rita Red VG86 - 2nd

The Williamson family - Lynne and Trevor, with children Rebekah, Sarah and Hannah, hosted the Breffni Oriel Club field evening in her Heifer In-Milk Class at Emerald Expo.

Calved since January she has already produced 8,000kgs milk and 450kgs milk solids.

Drumshanny Messiah Lizzy Red - 3rd in her calf class at Emerald Expo.

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Drumshanny Sensation Queen Red - 2nd in her class at National Dairy Show, Millstreet.

Longevity and an ability for cows to mature and last in the herd is very important.

Classification is a tremendous resource and I was delighted to receive the first excellent score when a home-bred Emma cow achieved EX92. To my untrained eye she was a cow I really liked and it was very encouraging that her qualities were rewarded with a high score in the classification system.

Specific traits that I look for are udder conformation, functional feet and legs, correct rump structure especially pin setting and a hard-topped spine functionality is so important, a cow’s structural base has to be sound in order for her to achieve her potential.

Examples of hard-working cows in the herd includes; Drumshanny Trill Rita VG89 - in her 2nd lactation produced 9,829kgs milk and 625kgs milk solids. Drumshanny Jericho Taylor Red VG86 in her 2nd lactation produced 9,377kgs milk, 650kgs milk solids, 3.60% protein.

All of the milking herd comprises home-bred families that were graded up, with some recent youngstock purchased from the Maunsell herd of Michael Maunsell. Pat Coffey’s Lisnacunna herd has also been a reliable source of Red & White genetics with a number of deep pedigree stock bulls used over time. AI is used throughout the winter months with the stock bull turned out when the cows go outside from April onwards. My experience is that heat detection rates are much better when the stock are housed indoors compared to at grass.

I believe in taking a common sense, down to earth approach to breeding using all the tools available for assistance. At times you would wonder if breeding is being made unnecessarily complicated. I dont breed for index as so far I do not see how it benefits my system. For example I have a 2nd lactation cow who in her 1st lactation produced 8,228kgs milk, 471kgs solids in 303 days. She went back incalf to 1st service and calved-in with her 2nd

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gaining 4 days on calving interval. She is due to gain two weeks in calving interval when she calves-down with her third this December. Yet her fertility sub-index is -74! She is projected to produce over 10,000kgs this lactation so in my mind I cannot see why she deserves to be categorised as a minus or below par in any measure of performance.

The Breffni Oriel Club is a tremendous outlet and all the family is involved. Through their involvement with YMA Rebekah, Sarah and Hannah have really benefitted so much. They have made new friends from all over the country and their involvement showing calves has nurtured an interest in the rest of the herd. The club calf show is eagerly awaited each year and creates much excitement getting calves prepared. We have participated in the National Calf Show for the past three years. Overall, the club is very strong and is a great way to mingle with like-minded farmers. Our interest in showing stems from involvement in the club. The Herds Competition is particularly strong and I was delighted to win 1st place in the Intermediate Section this year. It has been very pleasing to have graduated right up from the initial Novice category.

As a family we are extremely glad to have hosted the club field evening on July 18th last.

Preparations did keep us busy beforehand and yes there was a little stress involved however the enjoyment of the occassion completely outshone the experience. It was a major shop window for the herd and all the children had such a fun time. Lynne and I would like to thank most sincerely all who helped both in preparation and also on the night.

Carlow Kilkenny Club

Kiltown Herd

John Flood, Russellstown, The Rower, Co. Kilkenny.

Milking 90 cows. 90% spring calving, 10% autumn calving producing 500kg milk solids per cow.

We registered the Kiltown prefix and graded up the herd to pedigre in 2006.

We put a lot of emphasis on improving feet and legs as the farm layout is a long and narrow strip and cows have to walk great distances. Major emphasis is also being placed on improving longevity and kilos of milk solids produced. The overall aim of breeding is to produce a balanced and functional herd of cows.

Choosing the pedigree route and getting involved The future generations of the Kiltown herd in the Carlow Kilkenny Club was a major turning hosted. There is a good bit of preparation with point. I have gained a lot of trying to sort out the groups of cows, tidying knowledge from taking part in the Club Herds around the yard and getting areas set up to Competition, even from meeting the various cater for having a crowd around the yard. judges and discussing breeding with them.

Thanks to Mervyn Jones, Master Judge on Each has opened my eyes in a helpful way, the night. There were three groups of cows, through imparting knowledge and experience.

Senior, Intermediate and Junior. The judges Attending field evenings provides the comments were very helpful and also the opportunity to see other systems in operation feedback from the club members was very and assess if it could work for you. positive. Refreshments were served after the stock judging. It was a good social occasion We have won prizes in the Pair of Heifers and members of Slaney and Waterford category in the Herds Competition for three Tipperary Clubs also attended. consecutive years, and twice won awards for Pair of Cows. I won the Judges Choice Award, and came 2nd in the Club Quality Milk Award Tipperary Waterford Competition. The herd has also won CellCheck Club Awards in 2013, 2015 and 2016. I was delighted to win Champion Cow at the New Ross Mart Show and Sale in 2014.

Multeen Herd

The local club is very important. It’s a huge asset when you consider that experienced, successful farmers of a similar mindset are only on the other end of the phone. All the members are willing to give advice or an opinion or share there experience of dealing with issues that arise in dairying. It is a great way of meeting people, particularly at field evenings and awards nights.

The field evening was a fairly hectic affair as were covering silage pits that evening. This was the first event of this sort we have ever

Maura & Mark McCarthy, Ballytohill, Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary New club member focusing on optimum cow performance and averaging 630kgs milk solids

We are milking 115 cows, predominantly spring calving, and rear all our own replacements.

Last year, the herd averaged 8,784kgs milk, 3.69% fat, 3.43% protein, 630kgs milk solids.

In many ways we are relative newcomers to club participation. This year was the first real involvement with the Tipperary Waterford Club, hosting the field evening and also

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Susans from Clonganhue and Clemantine from Barrowvale, to name a few.

Tipperary Waterford Club stock judging, hosted by the McCarthy family, Multeen herd taking part in the Herds Competition. In addition this was our first time to avail of IHFA classification. All told, it has been a couple of steps forward and we have really benefitted from these initiatives.

My parents Joe and Maura McCarthy established the Ironmills herd, so my childhood was immersed in pedigree breeding. The annual on-farm sale was a big event and was a focal point for all the family. Stock from the Ironmills herd provided the foundation base for the new herd as we established our own separate farm located at the other end of the county. Pedigree adds value to stock in a very straightforward way. It improves quality and helps enhance profitability at the end of the day. Surplus stock is available to sell and the pedigree status widens the options available.

The classification visit was a real eye-opener and the results proved to be a major boost and endorsement for the herd. Four cows achieved excellent (EX) and forty-five scored very good (VG). It was a tremendous educational experience. A lot of the heifers and younger cows scored good plus, which holds potential for the future.

The herd is backed by home-bred cow families mostly Ironmills bloodlines including Surprise, Lauren, Birdy, Jennifer, Castle, Annmarie.

Some select purchases have also been made to help grow the herd. From Lisduff we have invested in the Neottie, Duchess, Ellen and Constance families, as well as the

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Cow type allowing for longevity is very important. With the cost involved in rearing heifers it is so important that they go on to produce to their best, go back in-calf and last for many years.

It’s important to select for good udders and feet & legs, in addition to criteria for milk volume, milk solids and also fertility. In my view it is important to feed cows to match their potential. Breeding exclusively for production or on Index alone is not a good approach, balance is very important.

We thoroughly enjoy being involved in the Tipperary Waterford Friesian Breeders Club. It is a network of knowledgeable and experienced farmers and the social aspect is very important. Taking part in the Herds Competition was something different and it concentrates the mind on herd output and quality. Hosting the field evening was a pleasure and it was something all the family got involved in. The cows were looking well on the night with udders full of milk. Jim Mulhall was Master Judge and he was very complimentary to the stock and offered great encouragement to me. I was captivated by the comments and the exchange of views when discussing the placings. Thanks to all who attended and also to those who helped out.

Donegal Club

Inishowen herd

Wesley & Ian McKeague, The Knock, Culdaff, Co. Donegal.

Home-bred cow families averaging 693kgs ms on the northern tip of Ireland

Innishowen Gomez Lee Hanna, Reserve Champion two years in a row at Innishannon Show with Ian McKeague on the halter preference for bull dams to be classified VG or EX and producing in excess of 600kg milk solids with +3.60% for protein. Our objective is to increase both the fat and protein produced by the herd without any major increase in litres. As 75% of milk produced on the farm is paid on an A+B-C system, diluting the solids with extra litres would be a dilution of milk price received.

The Inishowen herd of 88 cows is projected to produce 693kg solids per cow in 2017, with the herd calving from late November until April.

The herd was established in 1977, with a number of the original families, such as the Rose and Cindy families, still prominent in the herd. The Cindy family being the backbone of the herd with 26 members milking at present.

Fifteen of them trace back to Inishowen FSW Cindy EX90 2E, who completed 11 lactations, with an average of 576kg milk solids, by 12.5 years of age. Another prominent cow family are the Hanna’s, originating from Coolrue Integrity Ann 2 VG88, a purchase at the 1997 IHFA Open Day. Fourtepen family members are currently milking in the herd. The standout member of this family at present is Gomez Lee Hanna EX91. She has been Reserve Champion at Inishowen Agricultural Show in both 2016 and 2017. She also performs in the parlour being predicted to deliver 829kg milk solids in her third lactation. Her maternal sister by Mars Uphill, is predicted to deliver 1014kg milk solids in her fourth lactation and was one of the first daughters of Mars Uphill to classify EX. Others making their mark in the herd include the Agility (Gobnascale), Mirror (Derrydorragh), Lulu (Dalevalley), Belle (Cloney), Cally & Aoife (Weepingash) families.

The breeding policy over recent years, and into the future will focus on fertility and components. A minimum of â‚Ź80 on fertility sub-index is sought with at least +0.08% for both fat and protein. We also have a

We find our club to be a great social outlet for our family. The club has recently undergone a renewal of sorts with extra effort to get more people involved in club activities such as field evenings, club trips and increased participation at local shows. It was a pleasure to host the field evening and the favourable comments on the quality of our cows put forward for stock judging on the night was especially gratifying.

Laois Offaly Club

Gurtbelleen herd

Gurteen Agricultral College, Ballingarry, Roscrea, Co.Tipperary.

A lifetime of legacy from foundation stock

The pedigree herd was established in the early 1960s when the first British Friesians animals were purchased from pedigree herds in the north part of the country. This nucleus of animals still has decedents in the herd to this day, other commercial animals were bought in the mid sixties to supplement them along with the original Shorthorns, which were then being crossed with Friesian AI. One Shorthorn cow yielded 1,233 gals. at 3.9% butter fat in the Birr Roscrea Cow Testing Association in the late fifties.

In 1974 another eight in-calf heifers were purchased to expand the herd further to 120 cows at the start of quota times. The

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Laois Offaly Club stock judging hosted by Gurtbeleen herd, Gurteen College better commercial animals were graded up to pedigree status. Since then the herd had remained a closed herd. The herd size reduced to 105/110 cows as the yields improved over the years, the pattern then was 20%/25% autumn calving. Since quotas were abolished we are expanding the herd and next spring it will be all spring calving 205 cows rising to 225 cows in 2019. The herd yield in 2016 was 6,500kgs of milk and 503kgs of solids. As the herd matures after the expansion we would hope to reach 7,000kgs of milk and 570kgs plus of solids per cow.

As the herd is run on a commercial basis, cow families have grown and developed within the herd, the better ones surviving the test of time, with regard to fertility and longevity.

My selection was always for a cow with power and strength with big emphasis on legs and feet and protein improvement along with yield, this could be achieved by selecting bulls from proven pedigree families and matching to cows which already have a lot of information built up over time in the cow families. The selection now is done more on EBI and I feel if only a few sub-indices are selected, other traits will be overlooked. The type for legs & feet is very important now that cows are being asked to walk longer distances.

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Being pedigree registered has other benefits in that it adds value to the stock if ever there is a disease breakdown which can happen from time to time and also it creates a better interest when working with them as you are interested in what the next generation will bring in your breeding programme. It also I feel gives the animal a status if you have surplus stock to sell which we have from to time.

By hosting a field evening for your club is an honour and recognition of your work with the herd, it also acts as a social occasion during the summer visiting herds and part taking in the stock judging competition, as do all other events held during the year where friendships and contacts are made. By being a member of your local club it is also a good source of relevant information in managing a herd of cows.

Laois Offaly Club

ANNGROVE HERD

Brian and John Rohan, Annegrove Hse, Mountrath, Co Laois Using classification as a tool for continued herd progress

We milk 170 cows split between autumn 2530% and spring 70-75%, producing 510kgs of milk solids per cow.

The herd was established by our late father Liam in 1975 with the base herd purchased in Northern Ireland as in calf heifers through the late Sean O’Neill. He was a man with a great eye for quality stock. We were lucky enough to have a good sized herd built up by the time quotas came in that allowed us to milk 110 cows through the quota years. On returning from Warrenstown Agriculture College and having been fortunate to have done my three month placement on the farm of Bill (RIP), Ann and Kevin Flynn Reary herd in 1993, with Bill and Kevin’s enouragement I graded up the whole herd to pedigree and it proved to be a very worthwhile decision adding great value to the herd.

We don’t focus in on any particular cow families in the herd with the exception of the Ebony which started with the purchace of a Fatal Ebony from the Cradenill herd in 1999.

She has left many great cows in the herd.

When it comes to breeding we are always trying to improve on milk and solids and we are lucky enough to have good feet, legs and udders in the herd with the exception of a few like most herds.

IHFA services are a great tool in developing any herd and especially classifying. We only started doing this over the last few years and already have a lot of VG and EX cows. This Emily Rohan, aged 4, pictured as the family Annegrove herd hosted the Laois Offaly Club 30th Anniversary celebrations

adds more value when selling surplus stock.

We are members of the Laois Offaly Club and when you’re up against the greats of Kevin Flynn, Peter Ging and Denis Donohue, to name but a few, it’s difficult to win many prizes but we get the odd few indvidual cow and heifer prizes, which is a nice bonus.

The Laois Offaly Club has been important to us through the years in different aspects of advice from members regarding their experiences of feeding and breeding using certain bulls to get the best from the cows.

We also help each other out when it comes to selling surplus calved heifers, which is another important part of any dairy farm.

We as a family were honoured to be asked to host the 30th celebrations for the club in July.

While at first you think “do I really need the extra hassle getting ready for the evening?”, it really is a great excuse to do a major clean up of the farmyard. Those jobs that have been on the long finger and at the back of your mind finally get done. More importantly it gives us the chance to showcase our herd and hopefully some people who attended might be inclined to come back to buy some surplus heifers in 2018.

Limerick Clare Club

EVERGROUND HERD

Margaret and Mike Laffan, Kilfinny, Adare, Co. Limerick.

Achieving 692kgs ms/cow/year and using classiication as an important breeding tool

We milk 40 cows supplying Kerry Co-op. We are a spring calving herd primarily, with 90 to 95% of the herd spring calving. Average yield for 2016 was 9,800kgs milk at 3.69% fat, 3.34% protein and 692 kgs milk solids.

We feed the cows grass, grass silage and concentrates to yield.

We graded up to pedigree status in 1991, shortly after we were married. We have a

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number of the cow families we graded up still in the herd today. These are Darina, Gail and Sara. We have, over the period of time, purchased in other families - Star (Glensillagh), Gypsy (Braedale), Bonny (Piperhill), Lulu (Dalevalley), Pledge (Windy Knoll), Ariel (Karona) and Firefly (Ralma).

We have used classification as one of the main tools for breeding since we graded up to pedigree. It gave us a basis to start with and with advice from a number of the classifiers (the early ones were from the UK) we proceeded to develop the herd. The herd in 2017 classifies an average 86 points. We have bred for functional type, looking for average stature, good feet & legs and good rump structure. In this regard, we have over the last eight years also used aAa scoring.

On the production side, we selected for positive milk above 250kgs with where possible positive percentages on fat and protein. We would use the EBI index especially the fertility aspect, with the cows under the production pressure we see reproduction as a significant challenge in a spring calving system.

Over the last few years we have had success with the herd in a number of competitions. We have won the Spring Calving Section in the club in 2014 and 2015. Being 2nd and 3rd in the Winter Section in 2016 and 2017. In the National Herds Competition, we have featured as EBI class winners a number of times and were 3rd in the Spring Section in 2015. On the

show scene a number of animals are shown each year.

We are very active on the local club scene. It is a great source of knowledge transfer and has an excellent social side. The club runs a Herds Competition and Open Stock Judging.

It helps a very active YMA group, encouraging numerous young children. Mike is currently Chairman of the Limerick Clare Club.

A thank you to club members who helped out in preparation for the evening. We had the cows ready - 18 of the 40 were to go on show on June 9th. and the paddock laid out when the rain that had been forecasted arrived.

Decisions, decisions, decisions! To cancel or to proceed? We had prepared the winter shed as the forecast and the weather the previous week had been poor. We decided to proceed with the event indoors. Liam Curran our judge arrived as if prepared for the artic and was very relieved to find out he was to do the judging indoors. We were very fortunate due to showing a number of the animals as they were halter trained. We tied up the heifers and the junior cows in the feeding passage to the feed barriers and left the senior cows in the slatted area. With a great crowd attending an extremely good evening was had by all, we had a dry evening indoors albeit it was a little cold. We completed the evening with burgers and sausages in the hay barn. A bit of work is involved but it was a pleasure to host the event.

Enjoying the (indoor) stock judging Everground herd hosting the Limerick Clare Club Field Evening

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West midlands Club

Liscolvin HERD

Martin and Maragret Garvey, Hillstreet, Carrick-onshannon, Co. Roscommon.

Attention to detail in Roscommon herd paves the way for 753kgs milk solids average

My name is Martin Garvey. I milk 54 pedigree Holstein Friesian cows, mainly spring calving, with a small percentage of the herd calving in autumn to fill a liquid milk quota with Aurivo.

The herd averaged 753kg of milk solids per cow for 2016.

The two main cow families in the herd are the Bloom family and the Evita family. Both families have bred numerous winners in the West Midlands Holstein Freisian Breeders Club down the years with Liscolvin James Bloom 4 winning the Overall Champion Cow in the Herds Competition in 2017. She classified EX92 for the 4th time. She is bred by Shoremar James out of Ked Juror out of a Comestar Lee. She recorded 12,895kg of milk at 3.7% fat, 3.2% protein and 888kg milk solids in her last lactation.

The whole herd was graded up to pedigree in the late 80s with the help of Bobby Franks, IHFA Field Officer. I have been classifying and milk recording since then and using this information when deciding what sires I will use on individual cows.

The Liscolvin herd won the Overall Champion Herd for the second year in a row this year in the club competition. The presentation evening took place in Feericks of Rathown.

We had a lovely evening with good food and good company. The club is very well run with John Taylor as our current chairman and Oliver Costello as secretary. I hosted a field evening in May this year, the event went off very well the Master Judge on the evening was Willian Crawford from Fermanagh. I presented six senior cows, six juniors cows and six heifer for judging. When all of the judging cards were collected Willian gave his reason for placing the cows in the order he did.

As day light faded we retired to the house for food, a chat and the presentation of prizes in the stock judging competition. A very enjoyable evening. Thanks to all who attended and helped out.

Liscolvin Wyman Evita 2 won 1st prize in the Elite Heifer Section.

She is a VG85 two year old. Her daughter is predicted to produce 7,500kgs milk 4.14% fat and 3.46% protein.

Her dam, granddam and great grandam all classified excellent.

The traits I look for when choosing bulls to cross on the herd are - first milk solids and fertility, then udders, legs & feet, body dept and finally a bull with a good pedigree behind him.

Bobby Franks, Breian Carroll, Martin Garvey, Tom Mackey and Barry Caslin, Teagsac, photographed at the West Midlands Club field evening

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