CE Foreword

The Covid 19 pandemic is still with us, despite effective vaccines, which means that we must remain vigilant and observe all government protocols when planning events in order to reduce the spread of the virus and keep ourselves and our families safe.

forewordCE

WINTER 2021

IHFA are operating a hybrid model for staff returning to the office, however, your continued patience is required and we would appreciate you sending your queries via enquiries@ihfa.ie.

Live events were cancelled in accordance with government protocols which affected our promotional Open Days and showing during the summer.

However, the Bull Sale went ahead which was a great success, with excellent prices and near full clearance. Stock sales have remained buoyant throughout the year in addition to strong milk prices in the market place.

With the easing of some restrictions the National Herds Competition went ahead in July. I wish to thank Dessie Dunleavy for judging the event and visiting 42 herds across the country.

We also organized the All-Ireland Photographic Competition, which was very successful. The presentation of awards took place this autumn with limited numbers in attendance.

Congratulations to all who participated in the various categories and the photographic competition.

In addition, IHFA produced a series of videos profiling of six breeders and their herds. We covered a wide geographical spread as well as varied dairy farming systems. They are being released over the winter months.

The aim with these profiles is to demonstrate the value of pedigree and capture a positive image of how members are adopting sustainable environmental practices and improving biodiversity in line with the Climate Action Plan 2030.

The IHFA Student Bursaries and YMA Awards of the Presidents Medal and Hall of Fame were presented on farm.

The National Dairy Show in partnership with Agri-insider held an online stock judging event on John & Bryan O’Connor’s farm in Kanturk, Co. Cork. The stock judging was sponsored by IHFA and was well received with over one thousand people logging onto the platform on both nights. I wish to thank John and Bryan for hosting the event and the quality and presentation of the teams for judging. Hopefully the National Dairy Show will be a live event next year.

It is planned that the Emerald Expo will be the beginning of live events, scheduled for Saturday 30th April 2022.

The website was completely redeveloped and redesigned. It is now also a responsive site and is more interactive with improved animal search and herd reports features. The Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) directive proposal to improve water quality, revised to take effect in 2022, was launched by the DAFM in early August for consultation. The proposals will greatly impact IHFA herds if the bands on production are enforced. IHFA made a submission to the relevant authorities outlining a more balanced approach. The present proposals deal with animal production outputs without considering credits from the environmental footprint of the dairy farming system.

IHFA continue to support Animal health Ireland, UCD Lyons, Teagasc-Vista Milk on sustainable food production systems and Agri Aware who help educate and promote wholesome food to school going children.

The AGM was held in person and was preceded with an EGM to adopt changes to our constitution which was necessitated by adoption of new breeding laws as required by EU legislation.

The Board approved a business strategy guiding IHFA for the next five years. This can be viewed on the website.

The appointment of Patrick Kelly PhD, as Data & Technical Analyst will bolster research and analysis of breed data is part of this strategy. I would like to welcome Patrick and wish him well as a member of the IHFA team.

I wish to thank all staff who give a dedicated service while ensuring a continued and consistent high standard of professionalism.

I also wish to thank our Chairman - Peter Ging, President - P J Kelly, IHFA board and committees for their time, co-operation and support, YMA youth officers, Holstein Friesian clubs and the Irish Pure Friesian Club.

Finally, I wish to extend sincere condolences to all families that have been bereaved or affected by Covid in the past year.

Wishing you and your families a safe and successful farming year ahead

Charles Gallagher Chief Executive