IHFA Spring Journal 2024

Spring Journal 2024

41

EDITOR: Laura Helen

CONTRIBUTORS:

Ciara O’Mahony

Dr. Patrick Kelly

Donal Carey

Cover Image:

Calves from the Clover Herd, Newmarket, Co.Cork taken by Aine O’Keeffe.

IRISH HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN ASSOCIATION. Tel.: 023 8833443 Fax: 023 8834740

Email: enquiries@ihfa.ie www.ihfa.ie. IHFA acknowledges ICBF for providing data. Latest data as supplied at date of compilation.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Thank you to the Maria Kelly, Georgia Greenan, Jane Steel and all the breeders who have provided images or permission to use their photographs.

DISCLAIMER: The Holstein Friesian Journal is the official publication of the Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA). Content is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the Editor. Opinions and views expressed or implied are not necessarily those of the Irish Holstein Friesian Association. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the material published no responsibility will be assumed for the validity or accuracy of any statement, errors or omissions or the content of any advertisement.

Printed by Tralee Printing Works, Monavalley Industrial Estate, Tralee, Co. Kerry, www.traleeprinting.com

CE FOREWORD

Breeding 2024: Staying ahead of the pack.

Cattle breeding is changing and the calf market is changing. In the last few years, we have seen an explosion in sexed semen usage and a corresponding increase in beef usage in the dairy herd.

Sexed semen allows us to make faster progress on the female side but it makes it more important to think about what bulls we are selecting and what cows we are breeding from. The number of DairyBeef calves coming on to the market is increasing rapidly. Our members have a reputation for producing quality beef calves, we must continue to lead in this regard. Should the calf market be challenged, it pays to be at the top end of sellers.

The most interesting development in the past year has been the emergence of a high volume export market for pedigree dairy heifers, mainly to North Africa. While export markets have risks due to government policy and disease status, this market appears to have longer term potential. Breeding extra heifers for this market is a huge opportunity. Generating extra heifers is generally not difficult and may give us extra selection opportunities.

In this issue we explore some issues around breeding dairy replacements and look at some options for surplus calves. Now is a good time to review breeding strategies for your herd and make sure you are best positioned for future challenges.

Also, in this issue we introduce some of the 2024 Focus Farms and I’m delighted to see we have some very interesting new farmers representing the full spectrum of IHFA member systems. The Focus Farm initiative was really well received in its first

year and I’m sure we can build on that success to highlight the excellent job being done by members no mater what farming system is employed.

Sincerely

Laurence Feeney Chief Executive

The IHFA AGM will be held in the Clayton Hotel Silversprings, Tivoli, Cork T23 E244 Cork on at 7pm on Wednesday 8th May 2024. The AGM will be preceded by an EGM.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Spring/Summer 2024

IHFA Bull & Heifer Sale 27th March

Emerald Expo

AGM

27th April

29th May

Pure Friesian Open Day 27th June

IHFA Open Day 10th July

YMA National Calf Show 23rd - 24th July

FULLY PREPARED, COMPLETELY IN CONTROL

Your cows’ ears are full of vital information which tells you how they’re doing. Our ear sensors monitor your cows’ rumination, eating, inactivity, activity, ear temperature and high active behaviour. Giving you actionable insights about the health, fertility and nutrition of your herd, so you know exactly which cows to focus on – and why. www.cowmanager.com

NEW IHFA Member Services

Printing Pedigree Certificates

Herdbook certificates are currently issued to members for their recently registered animals on a pre-existing interval basis. In a new development, members can now select the timing that best suits their individual preference for printing certs. The options available are:

1. Default (continue with pre-existing frequency),

2. Monthly or

3. 6 monthly. Tick the box that best suits your preference.

To access this screen

Go to the www.ihfa.ie and click on LOG IN button, enter your IE number and password, if you have forgotten your password click on the link for instruction.

NB You must text from the mobile that is attaching to your herd on the database – if you are unsure of this number email enquiries@ihfa.ie.

Through these screens click the Reports Button to access your cow family report and your error report, please contact the IHFA office to clear any outstanding errors in your herd.

Registration Errors and how to avoid them

What is SRM?

SRM means that a bull is on the supplementary register. He is not pedigree. Please note, some bulls, although having an FR code may in fact be crossbred.

Be Aware - Protect Your Herd’s Pedigree Status

When choosing a sire from AI, do not assume that all bulls are pedigree registered. Always check with your provider before purchasing straws.

SRM bulls may be up to 100% Holstein Friesian but are not backed by pedigree lines.

How does this affect the status of offspring?

If you use an SRM sire on a pedigree cow, the progeny do not qualify for pedigree status. How this affects future generations in the herd depends on the sex of the offspring. Female progeny will be graded ASR and generations of pedigree bred lines will be disrupted.

The same does not apply for males. An SRM sire will result in male offspring being graded SRM. The consequences of this will impact future generations as EU Breeding Rules do not allow grading up through the male line.

FRX Blue Card

There have been a number of incidences recently where pedigree registered animals are issued blue cards with FRX as the breed instead of FR.

The Department of Agriculture have indicated that it is possible to update a full Pedigree animals blue card if it has FRX as the breed in error

To do so:

• Contact your local DVO

• Produce the pedigree cert showing full animal pedigree (zootechical cert on back of pedigree cert)

• Complete form ER94(b)

IHFA Services

P ricing

2024

Updated prices for 2024

See Winter Journal for full details. Automatic Registration is when pedigree name is included at time of birth registration. We have seperted the charge for male registration and genotyping. Sire and Dam verification now needed for all males, so some dams may beed to be genotyped if not already done.

SHOW CALENDAR 2024

Clonakilty

Cork

Arrow

ICBF

Jazz

Jazz Daughters

Inter ID:HO840003260843020

Breed: HO (100%)

Pedigree Status : PED

CDCB

Milk PTAM +2112lb

Pro ducti ve Lif e PL + 6. 5

Preg nancy Rate DPR +0.5

Combined F&P CFP + 134l b

National ID: BBP000770753339

Breed: HO (100%)

Pedigree Status : PED

CDCB

Milk PTAM +572l b

Pro ducti ve Lif e PL + 3. 6

Preg nancy Rate DPR -0.6 Combined F&P CFP +73 lb

National ID: ELI003200815647

Breed: HO (100%)

Pedigree Status : PED

CDCB

Milk PTAM +1080l b

Pro ducti ve Lif e PL + 1. 4

Preg nancy Rate DPR +2.6

Combined F&P CFP + 147lb

TPI +2765

TPI +2654

TPI +2961

Davinci

Dylan x Sillian x Kingboy

ICBF

Milk

Mitchell

x Bombero x Mayfield Milk

ICBF Health

Protein (%) -0.01 93 %

Seaborn

Captain x Subzero x Doc

Milk

ICBF Health

National ID: FR7261004257

Breed: HO (100%)

Pedigree Status : PED

CDCB

Milk PTAM +170l b

Pro ducti ve Lif e PL + 2. 3

Preg nancy Rate DPR +0.3

Combined F&P CFP + 86 lb

National ID: ELI003138948156

Breed: HO (100%)

Pedigree Status : PED

CDCB

Milk PTAM +891l b

Pro ducti ve Lif e PL + 2. 5

Preg nancy Rate DPR +0.3

Combined F&P CFP + 115lb

National ID: NKL634724640

Breed: HO (100%)

Pedigree Status : PED

CDCB

Milk PTAM +1409l b

Pro ducti ve Lif e PL + 5

Preg nancy Rate DPR -0.3

Combined F&P CFP + 175l b

TPI +2714

TPI +2797

TPI +3092

IHFA FOCUS FARMS 2024

Sponsored by MSD

Expanding upon the success of our previous year’s Focus Farm series, we are delighted to unveil the IHFA Focus Farms of 2024. Our mission for the year ahead is to showcase and celebrate the exceptional diversity and excellence within our membership. We’ve meticulously selected these herds based on a range of criteria, including outstanding milk production, fertility rates, calving intervals, milk hygiene standards, classification standings, and longevity. We plan to visit all 6 farms throughout the year, so far we have been welcomed into the Toberfort and Copperbeech herds. Stay tuned as we unveil detailed profiles of our Focus Farms in our journals and across our social media platforms throughout the year.

Ian McKeague, Inishowen HerdCuldaff, Co.Donegal

Ian McKeague, along with wife, Lisa and three daughters, Grace, Anna and Rose, with the invalu-

able assistance of Ian’s father, Wesley, farm at The Knock, Culdaff, Co.Donegal. Wesley, now in his 78th year, remains actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the farm, which is home to Ireland’s most Northernly pedigree herd, established by Wesley himself in 1977 under the prefix “Inishowen.”

The Inishowen herd stands at 100 cows supplying milk to Aurivo Co-Op. Ian meticulously manages the grazing platform, which spans 25.45 hectares. During the summer months, high-quality baled silage supplements grazing to meet demand.

Winter feeding comprises of a 20% protein blend and a 25%

dry matter silage fed through a wagon, supplemented by an 18% protein nut in the parlour on a feed-to-yield basis, with top yielders receiving up to 11 kilograms. As of February 25th, the herd performance stands at 32.5kgs, at 4.56% Fat and 3.44% protein from 92 cows.

Calving commences in the last

Picture: Cows in the Clover Herd enjoying one of 2023’s few sunny days! Photo by Aine O’Keefe

Ian & Wesley McKeague

week of November and continues through to April, with Ian aiming meet the demand of his Aurivo liquid milk contract. To date 80% of the herd are calved. The previous season saw a calving interval of 372 days, a metric Ian aims to maintain or improve upon for the current season.

Ian’s breeding strategy emphasizes the use of sexed semen to breed replacements from superior animals while reducing the number of dairy-bred bull calves. This approach has yielded favorable conception rates, with the past two years achieving 58% and 59% conception rates to sexed semen, respectively. This year Ian has selected his bull team with health and fertility at the fore, as well as udder traits. The 2024 bull team has an average Health Sub-index of €29 and an average Fertility Sub-index of €80.

Looking ahead, Ian plans to upgrade youngstock accommodation sooner than anticipated due to the impact of Storm Isha. Additionally, he remains vigilant about grass quality, considering options such as stitching in new seed to rejuvenate paddocks as needed.

Recent accolades include Diamond Awards for two esteemed cows, Inishowen Crest Mirror EX92 5E and Inishowen Leader M Cindy EX90 5E (Pictured), both of which have left a lasting legacy in the herd.

Oliver Dempsey, Barrowvale Herd - Ballybrittas, Co.Laois

commonly look for British Friesian type with a good balance between milk, milk solids, fertility and health. With a market for both heifers and bulls, conventional semen is used across the herd. This year when selecting the bull team, Oliver will be looking for proven outcross sires, with the highest EBIs available balancing with the forementioned traits. There are currently 5 Barrowvale bulls available from various AI companies nationally.

The Barrowvale name is synonymous with the British Friesian breed. Oliver Dempsey, supported by his wife Kate, daughter Emily (pictured below), and father Michael, milks 30 cows under the prefix.

Oliver runs a modest system, with a grazing platform of 23 acres with diets supplemented in spring and autumn by grass silage and standard dairy ration. This year the herd moved away from split calving and all cows will calve in the spring. The transition to spring calving, coupled with the installation of an automatic calf feeder, reflects Oliver’s commitment to reducing the labour intensity of the farm.

All heifers and most of the bulls are sold off farm for breeding, meaning breeding goals at Barrowvale centre around meeting customer needs. Customers

Harnessing technology, Oliver uses SenseHub Collars (on Cows) and SenseHub Tags (on Heifers) for heat detection and reproductive monitoring.

Last year Oliver completed The Diploma in Environment, Sustainability and Climate, which was set up to support Irish farming communities in addressing environmental challenges, giving them the knowledge and skills to farm more sustainably. Taking environmental stewardship extremely seriously, Oliver plans to over sow paddocks with clover and aims to get the most out of slurry whilst using less. He plans to put in more slurry storage which would give more flexibility in terms of optimal timing for slurry application. Oliver has recently applied for the grant to install solar panels and battery storage at Barrowvale.

Barrowvale Sabrina 73 VG85 Dam of Barrowvale Excaliber FR9940 at Munster/PG

Edward Fitzgerald, Toberfort Herd - Effin, Co. Limerick

at the age of 13 when his father presented him with a choice between two beef bull calves. With an instinct for genetic evaluation, Edward meticulously examined the Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) of each bull before making his selection. This early experience marked the beginning of his fascination with breeding and genetic trait analysis.

Edward says his ideal cow is ‘an invisible one’, one that is problem free and easily managed. Although he admits he strives for a more holistic approach – a herd of invisible cows is the aim!

monitoring. The detailed animal data is a big plus when it comes to herd managment.

Toberfort Ranger Penny

Edward Fitzgerald is the 5th generation of the Fitzgerald family to farm at Tobernea in Effin, Co Limerick. Established in 1876, Tobernea was originally home to Dairy Shorthorns, the herd then transitioned to British Friesian under Edward’s grandfather.

Today, Tobernea is home to a flourishing herd of 90 milking Holsteins, proudly carrying the Toberfort prefix. Edward, alongside his wife Olivia, took over the reins in 2008 from Edward’s father Michael, who remains an integral part of the farming operation today. This year they have taken on local lad, Lorcan Bluett, to alleviate the pressure of spring calving. Edward’s niece Amber also lends a hand when not at school.

Edward’s journey into breeding excellence began long before he officially took over the farm. He actively contributed to breeding decisions from a young age. Edward recalls a pivotal moment

Genetics play a huge part in the success of the Toberfort herd, Edward’s sire selection criteria is meticulous. High up on the list of genetic traits selected for is Rump Angle, Temperament, Milking Speed, Teat Length, and a preference towards high percentage black bulls. All whilst aiming to maintain millk volume and increase milk percentages. The bull team is made up of predominantly US proven imported sires and Edward utilises American and Canadian proof data. The World Wide Sires mating programme (WMS) is used to maximise genetic gain and create herd uniformity.

Looking through family photographs Edward recently made the discovery that AI has been used on the herd since the 50’s! Today the herd utilises 6 weeks of AI followed by a stock bull to sweep up.

The herds average parity stands at 2.87 this is due to Edward having a repeat local buyer for his older lactation animals. He sells around 10 >5th lactation cows a year, with the buyer benefiting from the longevity of Toberfort genetics, seeing them thrive for several more lactations in his herd.

Edward is using a monitoring system at Toberfort, taking care of heat detection and herd health

When asked his greatest farming achievement, Edward proudly recalls one very special day in 2022. At the IHFA National Open Day held at the Frawley family’s Ballytigue Herd, Edward was announced as winner of the National Herds Competition in the Spring Section. That same day Edward purchased Ballytigue Crown Penny from the Open Day Sale. Penny has just calved a beautiful red heifer, which is clearly Edwards pride and joy.

Seamus Knox, Ballygown HerdPiltown, Co.Kilkenny

Seamus Knox and wife Louise farm at Ballygown just outside of Piltown, Co. Kilkenny along with their two children John and Ellen. The herd comprises of 300 Holstein Friesians under the Ballygown prefix.

The herd are Tirlan suppliers, they calve 50 heifers in November with the remaining heifers and rest of the herd calving between February and April.

Ballygown has a land base of 200 acres, Seamus utilises a zero grazer and buffer feeds when necessary.

The main breeding goal at Ballygown is to increase yield as well as component percentages. When selecting his bull team, Seamus notes that being pedigree is a must, with reliable cow families in the lineage of particular importance. Bulls must have a good positive for milk production and Fat & Protein percentages with at least 36kgs of Milk Solids. Sexed Semen has been used in the past on the herd, but Seamus admits disappointing results mean it is not currently utilised.

Seamus is happy to maintain current standards on the farm for the year ahead. Research into heat detection systems currently ongoing with hopes to install in the back end of the year, to replace the tail paint currently used.

The Ballygown prefix will be familiar to many with several bulls sold into Dovea, Eurogene and NCBC over the years. Notably, Ballygown Albert proved extremely popular. His dam Ballygown PKK Lucy (Pictured above) won 2022 RDS-ICBF Dairy EBI Impact Cow of the Year, an accolade the family are extremely proud of.

Joe Healy, Copperbeech HerdAthboy, Co.Meath

After a 13 year break away from dairy, whilst working in the steel industry, Joe made the decision to commence milking at Copperbeech in 2020.

Happy to see cows back milking on the farm, Joe’s father John is still involved in the day to day running. This year Joe welcomed UCD student Ava on her Dairy placement, she is a welcome help during calving. In 2020 Joe started out with 70 heifers, 10 in calf heifers and a few 2nd calvers, all bought in from various herds.

Joe honestly admits that he is learning every year when it comes to the cow type he is looking for. He remembers a time where he would head straight for the back of an AI Catalogue to the type section, however he his is now trying to strike more of a balance between health traits, fertility and conformation.

Dam classification and production is vitally important to him when selecting his bull team, choosing bulls from credible cow families. Dairy semen is used for the 1st service on cows he wishes to breed replacements from and Beef semen on any repeats and the rest of the herd. Fertility is a crucially important to Joe, he is more than happy to move cows on if fertility is poor. In a bid to maintain fertility and strength in the herd, Joe switches between Holstein Friesian and pure Holstein bulls as he sees fit.

Joe acknowledges that before milking ceased in 2007, grassland management had taken a back seat, so when he was invited on the Teagasc Better Beef programme he jumped at the opportunity and

calls it invaluable on farm today. Joe likes to use a plate meter to ‘keep his eye in’ when measuring paddocks.

Utilising a diet feeder, cows are buffer fed with a grass silage blend. The diet feeder is shut off in the summer but admits he is more than happy to buffer with bale silage should grass get tight at any point. He would rather continue feeding than allow any drop off in production. Around 1.9 tons of concentrate is fed through the parlour in the year.

All cows wear the Allflex Sensehub collars, Joe says they were an invaluable investment when it comes to heat detection on farm.

As soon as all cows have calved this year Joe plans to commence classifying and we look forward to following that journey.

James & Aine O’Keeffe, Clover Herd - Newmarket, Co.Cork

In picturesque Newmarket, near Kanturk, Co Cork, lies Knockavilling, home to the O’Keeffe family.

James and Áine O’Keeffe, along with their children JJ (12) and Mary (8), milk 110 cows under the Clover prefix.

At the tender age of 19, James faced a pivotal moment when he was given the ultimatum to either take up the farming of Knockavilling or consider selling. Without hesitation, James chose to become the 4th generation at the farm, and since November 1999, he has been at the helm.

With a strong influence of Friesian bloodlines in the herd, there has been a recent transition towards

Holstein genetics, driven by the desire to enhance milk output per cow. James commends the Friesian breed for imparting strength in the herd, while the strategic introduction of Holstein genetics focuses on functional type, longevity, milk solids production, and overall strength. Last year polled genetics were introduced and they hope to continue this breeding season.

Suppliers of Kerry Group, the O’Keeffe’s are passionate about milk quality, and this is evident from their successes in the Milk Quality Awards. James is proud to have herd milk records dating back as far as 1911!

Functional type is paramount at Knockavilling, particularly concerning legs and feet. With a sprawling grazing platform stretching over 1.7 kilometres, cows must be able to withstand the walk to the farthest paddocks.

The total land base stands at 110 acres with an additional 70 acres on lease. Despite the challenges posed by heavy soil types, the O’Keeffes utilize a zero grazer at both ends of the year.

Not only are James and Áine navigating a shift in cow type, this year, they aim to enhance onfarm infrastructure by adding a new shed and expanding slurry storage facilities.

Aside from farming, Áine has great talent and passion for photography, something you will see from our front cover and several other images taken by Áine in this journal addition.

SIRES OF INTEREST

Ballyelly CHILLI

Supplier: Munster/PG

AI Code: FR7910

Ballyelly Chilli was bred by Trevor Lockhart, Ramelton, Co. Donegal. Chilli is sired by Peak Chilton and comes from the famous Raven maternal line. He is backed by 9 generations VG/EX, going back to Blackstar Raven EX95. His dam is an EX90 Ballycairn Corinthian daughter. Chilli offers a balance of EBI, functional type and health traits. He stands at €35 Health Sub Index with an EBI of €285. Conformationally, Chilli has an extremely balanced linear. He will improve udders, whilst adding rump width and maintaining stature. Chilli adds chest width and will improve legs and feet. Chilli is available both Sexed and Conventionally.

Dungrange DAN

Supplier: Munster/PG

AI Code: FR9316

Dungrange Dan (FR9316) was bred by Donal and Keiran Dunne, Navan, Co Meath, he currently stands at €341 EBI. FR9316 is a son of Ballycarney Denman (FR6772) and is out of a VG Perseus daughter who has produced over 7500kgs at 4.25% Fat and 3.65% Protein. His granddam is a VG Allenwood Duster (AWO) daughter with over 8,500kgs produced at 4.9% Fat and 3.6% Protein. Dan will increase milk (+300kgs), whist giving a big increase in components with +0.27% Fat and +0.13% Protein. He will maintain cow size while improving udders (+1.34) and legs & feet (+0.55). Dan is available both Sexed and Conventionally.

Clochrua MESSI

Supplier: Dovea

AI Code: FR9358

A sire with high components and correct conformation, with an Irish/International lineage. Percentages include +0.32% fat and +0.25% protein, along with a positive milk yield transmission of 34 kg combined fat and protein. The dam, XDO LUCY EX90, achieved 8110 kg in her 7th lactation, with fat at 4.64% and protein at 3.78%, backed by four successive international sires. Messi’s sire, Brod, is producing has early daughters now in milk. Messi has positive chest and mammary system with a aAa 156. Messi’s pedigree reads – Bawngarra Brod x Dansire Shottle x Mars Uphill.

Monamore Oman Raven

Dam: Dungrange Perseus BRONA

Clochrua

Hul-Stein MOZARTPP RC

Supplier: Dunmasc

AI Code: FR8920

Mozart is a homozygous polled red carrier sire, ensuring that all his offspring will be born without horns. He is well-suited for grass-based herds utilizing the EBI system for breeding. With an outcrossed pedigree and excellent health traits, Mozart is an ideal choice for robot herds. He possesses great percentages of fat and protein, along with a strong focus on solids and super udders. Mozart’s genetic makeup will result in beautiful tight udders with perfect teat placement, improved fertility, and an emphasis on dairyness. Additionally, his offspring are expected to have low somatic cell counts and longevity.

Pinetree ORGANIC

Supplier: WWS Ireland

AI Code: FR9720

Pine-Tree Organic is sired by the popular and newly proven OCD Legacy Massey. Organic ranks highly on both US & Irish indexes and traits, boasting exceptionally high Productive Life +9.8 PL (€33HealthSI), a somatic cell score of 2.53SCS (-0.52SCS), impressive fertility DPR 3.4 (€116FertSI) and WWS’s highest marketed Herd Health Profit sire at 1236HHP$ (€267EBI). Organic is decorated with WWS designations, notably GrazingPro, RobotPro and MastitisResistantPro, centering around the Irish dairy farmer’s needs. With solid functional conformation traits and +1 on UDC, it’s no surprise to see Sandy-Valley Morgan Era & Snow-N Denises Dellia in his maternal line. Suitable for heifers, Organic is available sexed and conventional.

Ballydehob RINGO

Supplier: Munster/PG

AI Code: FR9842

Ballydehob Ringo (FR9842) was bred by Robert Shannon and Family from Clonakilty, Co.Cork, offers an EBI of €321. FR9842 is sired by OTS. His dam is an Excellent 3rd lactation Yamaska daughter, who has produced over 10,000kgs Milk at 5.3% Fat and 3.7% Protein. His pedigree carries 8 generations of VG & EX dams. Ringo’s 4th Dam is an EX94 OJI daughter, Ireland’s highest lifetime production cow, having produced over 145 tonnes of milk and over 11,000kgs milk solids, still milking in her 14th lactation with a CI of 362 days. Ringo will moderately improve production (+189kgs Milk) whilst increasing components +0.26% Fat and +0.15% Protein. Ringo will maintain size (+0.88 Stature) whilst giving slope to the rump (+1.17).

MOZART PP RC

Pinetree ORGANIC

4th Dam: Ballydehob OJ Trixie

SIRES OF INTEREST

Browelite STAR

Supplier: Eurogene

AI Code: FR7698

Browelite Star comes from the Sally family at Browelite and is sired by Velder Starmaker. His dam is a VG89 Peak Mr Grey with a solid production record averaging 7,700 kgs over 6 lactations, and his Grand Dam is VG85 Morningview Legend with a 3 lactation average of 8,437 kgs. Star demonstrates a good balance of solids and production, with a notable +247 kgs of milk and 34 kgs of solids. He offers 0.15% Fat & 0.10% Protein with a favourable fertility sub-index of €116 and €33 Health sub-index. Browelite Star is expected to sire cows with strong legs and feet, with a noteworthy +3.25 for overall Legs & Feet. His chest width is also above average at +1.49.

Ballintosig STAR TREK

Supplier: Dovea

AI Code: FR8862

Star Trek EBI €349 - The complete sire from the protein rich Amber family, he transmits 37kg combined Fat & protein with +0.42% Fat & +0.24% Protein. Star Treks dam Ballintossig FR4785 Amber completed 6843kg milk 4.88% Fat and 3.90 % protein in second lactation and was classified a VG85 and is the 5th generation in a row scored VG/ EX. Star Trek is also positive for feet & legs with high breeding values for fertility. Star Treks sire Saint Brigid Frank Joseph is the no.1 daughter proven sire in Ireland.

De Broekhof TOLEAN

Supplier: Bo Sires

AI Code: FR9753

De Broekhof Tolean FR9753 (Anreli x Danno x Kodak. aAa 315) is a proven outcross sire with exceptional all-round traits. His EBI is €265, and he is positive for milk and solids at +418KG milk, 19KG BF and +20KG PR. He also transmits desirable traits for hoof health, longevity and milking speed. On the maternal side, Tolean traces back to the American brood cow Plushanki Chief Faith. His dam, De Broekhof Equipe 305 VG87 has produced in 4 lactations 54184KG milk at 4.38%BF and 3.68% PR. Tolean is suitable for heifers and is available sexed.

Sire: Velder STARMAKER

Dam: Ballintosig FR4785 Amber

De Broekhof TOLEAN

Supplier: Eurogene

AI Code: FR8526

Wimward comes from the esteemed Missy family and is descended from Wesswood HC Rudy Missy Et. He is a son of Progenesis Wimbledon and has a VG86 Pine-Tree Prophecy Dam averaging 12,166 kgs of milk, 630kgs of fat, and 450kgs of protein over two lactations. The Grand Dam is a VG85 daughter of Mogul Delta, with a third lactation yielding 10,790 kgs of milk, 5.10% fat, and 3.80% protein. Wimward has a high milk sub-index of €133 and solid balance of production with 45kgs of solids with 0.29% Fat & 0.13% Pro. He exhibits excellent fertility with a sub-index of €105. His US figures are also impressive, with a Fertility Index of +2.4, Productive Life of +4.2, and DPR of +1.5. Wimard is expected to produce medium-sized cows with excellent feet & legs and superior udders.

Pine-Tree WIMWARD + Fertility

Pine-Tree WIM WARD

MOST REGISTERED SIRES 2023

As well as looking at the top Irish bulls available currently we have compiled a list of the bulls with the highest number of daughters pedigree registered in Ireland in 2023. This list gives some useful insights into the genetics that are dominant in the national pedigree registered herd.

A new list for 2024, this shows the sires with the highest percentage of VG daughters, classified in their first lactation in 2023. To qualify sires must have 25 daughters classified within 2023. Also shown is the dams average 1st lactation score.

Conway daughter: OCD Conway Shimmer 64556 VG-86

Selecting Your Breeding Females

When thinking of the breeding season ahead there are a few questions you have to ask yourself before starting:

• What is the system you want to be running?

• How many animals can you have in your system with the new regulations?

• Which cows in your herd best suit your current system or could be bred to move to a new system if desired?

• What traits need to improve to maximise the system?

With the new regulations around stocking rates on your farm, it is more important than ever to get the breeding right. Taking steps to create that uniformed herd to make management easier is one of the first steps in improving the time and profit management of your farm.

We hear a lot about the bull selection for the breeding season which has a huge impact on your farm, but the selection of the dams for replacements also has to be done to maximise the impact of the bulls selected. Looking at the focus farms last year, one of the most common aspects of the herds was the uniformity of the cows in the herds. This was achieved by careful selection of the pedigree bulls and the cows.

If you have to drop cow numbers it is important to decide which cows are going and why. Most importantly - how do we protect the farm income if

reducing cow numbers? This is where the selection of cows and heifers for breeding is vital. Select the wrong animals for your system and the margin is reduced. Select the right animals and the farm can flourish.

What tools are available to help in selection?

1) Proven cow families in your herd

The cow families that are successful on your farm provide you with the fertility, production, and functional conformation to build on. When logging into your IHFA account you can see the family line that have got the farm to where it is today.

2) Production information from milk recording

The current reports available allow you to see the cows that are performing the best in your herd. It is important to always use the best performing cows in your herd, as these provide you with the best return.

If you look at cows that have done nearly the same days, but have a massive difference in the margin of €2780 over 3 lactations between first cows (Table 1), and €1660 between the 4th lactation cows (Table 2), you would need 2 of the red cows for every green cow. Therefore, having the replacement coming from the green cow is very important. The closer you can keep the life margin per day of the cows in your herd, the easier it is to manage the herd.

3) First calvers and maidens

This is the group that needs careful consideration when selecting the ones to breed. Their production information will not yet be available, but you do have access to their mother’s production and performance. You don’t want to keep breeding from a poor base, regardless of the sire selected. Remember - not all your young stock are your best genetics; a poor heifer out of a poor cow does not lead to a good replacement

4) Time to retrieve the cost of rearing

If you look at last years’ heifers in the end of year report, you can see the value they created per day and also the total value of their production for the year. This is the value not taking in the extra cost of the dry period they have just finished or the potential rearing cost (for example €1500 - if your figure is different just insert your figure here).

The following is an example of how long it may take to repay the rearing cost -

All heifers getting the same management -

• Heifer 1 - leaving €2.19 per day for 300 days. This leaves you €659 and will take nearly 2 lactations to pay the rearing

• Heifer 2 - leaving €3.51 per day for 300 days. This leaves you €1054 and will take up the first third of the 2nd lactation to pay the rearing.

Having a replacement coming from the first heifer will lead to a reduction in the herd margin.

5) Classification Information

In the previous journal we showed the benefit of good functional conformation. It is important to at least maintain the level you have and try and improve it. When you are looking at bulls, you should aim to keep the PTAs for Feet and Legs, Mammary and Overall type as high as possible. Try and select extra bulls that have the production and fertility and health traits that you want, and then select the bulls from that list with the best functional conformation.

6) Fertility Information

This is the easiest selection. Does she go in calf? Look at your animals and the history to see the best cows for fertility. Breeding from cows that go back in calf easily each year help, but don’t make the mistake of breeding a cow that is going in calf easily but does not have the production that you want for your herd. Remember that a cow that goes in calf early each year and calved down at the start of the calving season but dries of in September has a long dry period and is not as productive as other cows. We need to be getting 305 days of milk production out of all our cows. If a cow is dry for long periods, you are carrying extra cows to make up the milk production. A simple calculation is that if cows are milking 270 days instead of 305 there are 35 days missing and roughly you carry one extra cow for 9 of these cows. This has a big impact on numbers for nitrates.

7) SCC and mastitis

From the early milk recording you can see cows that did not cure during the dry period. If it is the same quarter that was infected before dry off, the cow should be removed from the herd so that they don’t spread the infection. This can be identified by using the California milk testing paddle. If it is a new infection, the cow could be treated. However, you should not breed from this cow as she is prone to mastitis and the daughter can have the same trait. Having cows out of the tank due to high SCC or mastitis is a major financial loss to your system. If you have to reduce numbers you definitely don’t need cows taking up room, feed and time that are not contributing to the bulk tank.

If you have a lot of high SCC cows, or cows with mastitis, it is very important to look at your dry off plan, the housing and the calving period to see when the issue is occurring so you can solve the problem going forward.

Remember, time spent selecting the cows and bulls for breeding is incredibly valuable. It is the cornerstone of a successful farm.

Dr Patrick Kelly

IHFA PED Males, born in 2023 from VG/EX Dam & VG/EX Grand Dam

53 89

31 JOHN J O'SULLI WHITECHURCH CO CORK

14 PATRICK FLYNN KILWORTH CO CORK (IG)LISDUFF NAPOLEON ET PROGENESIS NAPAVALLEY LISDUFF LETALE

MONAMORE FLIPPER (IG)TISAXON TROOPER MONAMORE FIFI 37 EX90 CLOCHRUA RANDY LEVI MONAMORE MACS FIFI EX91

HEALY CASTLECOMER CO KILKENNY KILSUNNY HERBERT 6 KILSUNNY HERBERT 2 KILSUNNY TRUMP 56 VG88 MANORPARK GOOGLE KILSUNNY TRUMP 41 EX92 223 48 22 109

TREVOR DUDLEY DOVEA CO TIPPERARY CHURCHCLARA TURBO MANORPARK GOOGLE CHURCHCLARA DESTINY LAURA VG89 CHURCHCLARA DESTINY CHURCHCLARA MARTY LAURA VG88 223 60 6 150 -5 BILL O KEEFFE CLARA CO KILKENNY CHURCHCLARA GOUDA MANORPARK GOOGLE CHURCHCLARA EXPLOR LAURA 2 VG85 CASTLEDALE EXPLORER CHURCHCLARA TORELLO LAURA EX91 220

BILL O KEEFFE CLARA CO KILKENNY CHURCHCLARA FUBEAM CASTLEDALE FUTURIST CHURCHCLARA ROCUS SUNBEAM 2 VG86 CHURCHCLARA EROCUS

Exciting

EX Mardi Gras

VG 88 Uno

94 Jeeves (Hood ATM) Ex 92 Goldwyn

Ex 92 Mucho

Ex 90 Goldwyn

Ex 90 Morty

Ex 91 Jesther

VG88 3yr

2024 SIRE SELECTION

DO YOU KNOW YOUR BREEDING GOALS?

Identifying your breeding goals means assessing the current state of your herd and pinpointing the traits you aim to enhance. To gauge the present status of our herd, we must evaluate both its genetic level and performance. Maintaining the genetic status quo typically results in consistent performance, while enhancing genetics tends to yield improvements in performance. The extent of the improvement depends on factors such as feeding and management, but we can get clues to this from the current herd. Here we will look at three different herds and their breeding goals as examples. Your herd will be different, but the procedure will be the same.

This herd is spring calving, feeding approx. 800-1000kgs meal. The aim is to maintain the current production system so priority is to maintain milk kgs but improve percentages. The herd is currently at -60kgs milk, so once we are at/above these levels we can maintain that milk. Higher longevity and health is a priority so we will aim to improve the type PTA and Health Sub-Index. See Table 2 for list of bulls that are for consideration for this herd. An improvement in Health Sub-Index will mean lower SCC, fewer mastitis cases and lower lameness.

TABLE 1: SCENERIO 1 HERD STATS

TABLE 3.

TABLE 2: SCENARIO 1 SAMPLE BULL SHORTLIST

As this herd has good fertility, cows are easily lasting into third lactation. As cows get older the quality of udders and feet become more important. This herd will focus on locomotion and shallow udders with good teat placement. It will continue to require average stature with some strength.

Herd maturity = more milk

A second lactation cow yields, on average, 14% more than a first lactation cow while a third and greater lactation cow yields 22% more than a first lactation cow. Therefore, reducing replacement rate and therefore the proportion of younger animals in the herd will increase herd milk solids output.

SCENARIO 2: HIGHER PRODUCTION GRAZING HERD

This herd is spring calving, feeding approx. 1200-1800kgs meal.

The aim is to maintain the current production system so priority is to maintain milk kgs but improve percentages. The herd is currently at +170kgs milk on the EBI report so once we are at or above these levels we can keep the same milk level. Improving Protein percentage is a priority and the herd is currently +0.08. If we can achieve +0.13% Protein the herd can expect 3.6% protein. Higher longevity and health is a priority.

Higher production puts more pressure on udders, so correct udders are the aim. We also aim for good legs and feet. Combined with a good health index, these type traits give us cows that can last a long time in this system.

WHAT’S IN THE TANK?

Sean Crowley - Skehanagh Herd - Ballinhassig, Co Cork

Current Bull Team: Tankardsrock Teak, Olcastletown Mojo, Doonmanagh Redcliff, Annalack Sebring, Ballydehob Ringo, Dungrange Dan and Balmlag Ledger

Sire Selection Criteria: We like to improve the EBI and percentages while also selecting a bull from a vg/ex dam.

Sexed Semen Usage: We use sexed semen on the maiden heifers and the cows for the first 3 weeks of the breeding season.

The Ideal Cow: A medium sized cow with good functional type traits, who goes back in calf every year and has potential to do 600kgs of milk solids as a mature cow.

TABLE 4: SCENARIO 2 SAMPLE BULL SHORTLIST

SCENARIO 3: HIGH OUTPUT WINTER/SPRING SYSTEM

The focus for this scenario is to maintain the current high production levels and increase cow longevity. Typically, in this system udders are placed under more pressure because of high yields and SCC can be a factor, particularly at housing. As a result, there is a high emphasis placed on health traits and conformation.

Making cows last longer in this system has huge payback. The cows already have high production ability. Having more cows at maturity, and fewer heifers, will put milk in the tank. Improving udders, feet and legs, and health traits should equip these cows to last longer. Also there is a good selection of bulls in this category with high Health sub-index so we can push up the minimum criteria to a high level.

TABLE 5: SCENERIO 3 HERD STATS

TABLE 6: SCENARIO 3 SAMPLE BULL SHORTLIST

WHAT’S IN THE TANK?

Kevin Doran

Dondale Herd

Donadea, Co.Kildare

Bulls in the Tank: Logistics, Rubicon, Pazzle, Crown Red, Rager Red, Reeve red, Cirrus P, Praser, Yamaska, Robin Red, Luster P

Sire Selection Criteria: We look for positives in Strength, Teat length, kgs milk solids and good score for feet/legs, and for mammary.

Sexed Semen Usage: We use almost no conventional FR semen now. We first used sexed semen in 2006 and have steadily increased usage over the years. We now breed all maidens to sexed and the top 60-70% of cows to sexed and the remainder to beef.

The Ideal Cow: A cow that I only notice for only good reasons. Trouble free, balanced, medium stature cow with plenty dairy strength from muzzle to rump. An easy cow to work with that has plenty body capacity, sound feet and legs and a well attached udder. Most of all she must have a natural ability to produce high kgs milk solids.

Why Type criteria?

Resent work carried out shows that the heifers with better functional type last longer in the herd when taking fertility group into account. The work also showed that heifers with higher mammary scores had lower SCC research

Know your herd:

The EBI report gives you a guide of the animals potential across a large number of traits

Milk recording reports show you the cows actual performance and shows you the cows to breed off to keep improving your herd margins

WHAT’S IN THE TANK?

Pat Cleary Carrickshock Herd Hugginstown, Co. Kilkenny

Current bull team: FIRODA RANDY 7 (FR2276), MANORPARK GOOGLE (KKG), FIRODA CENTURION 1 (FR2030), CARRICKSHOCK GTW (FR6667) & FIRODA MEINSE 2 (FOE). All conventional semen used.

Sire Selection Criteria: I look first at type; I want a functionally correct cow, to be able to last in the herd and score well. Then I look at milk and percentages, I’m looking for bulls on the higher production end of the Friesian breed.

The Ideal Cow: My Ideal cow is a pure Friesian with 8000 litres at 5%fat and 4% protein and can do 10 lactations classified EX 95.

TABLE 7: FRIESIAN SIRE SAMPLE BULL SHORTLIST

SMOOTH SAILING FOR SURPLUS HEIFERS

A Piece Of Irish History

On January 11th a shipment of pedigree in-calf heifers from Ireland made history as they docked in Oran Port and the Port of Algiers, Algeria. It is believed the heifers are the first complete live export of in-calf heifers from Ireland. The consignment was arranged by David Clarke of Cows.ie, a company with over 30 years’ experience of sourcing and exporting quality livestock to customers in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Europe and the Middle East.

All 1021 heifers that embarked on the 7 day journey, departing from Waterford port, arrived in Algeria in excellent condition. 821 heifers disembarked the ‘Finola M’ ship in Oran Port with the remaining 200 heifers continuing to the

Port of Algiers. After completing the necessary quarantine procedures, the heifers have been successfully resold to Algerian dairy farmers. The shipment garnered praise from Algerian customers for their remarkable quality and robust health upon arrival.

During the selection process, a preference for more Friesian bloodlines over pure American Holsteins was evident, reflecting the customers’ specific requirements for power and strength. Heifers recorded an average weight of 529kg at the port of departure. Furthermore, there was a distinct preference for heifers in calf to a Holstein Friesian pedigree bull. Although sexed semen wasn’t rewarded for in this shipment, it remains a potential option for future endeavours. Notably, the absence of any issues related to IBR increased confidence in the shipment’s health integrity.

A Growing Market

The response to the heifers has been exceedingly positive, evident in their successful resale and the encouraging feedback

received. In discussions with David Clarke, it is apparent that there is a potential market for 4000 to 5000 heifers annually in the future, with the primary limiting factor being the availability of supply. A concern also lies in the event of an outbreak of blue tongue or a similar disease, which could potentially hinder our export operations.

Cows.ie

In response to demand, Cows. ie have launched their HO/ FR pedigree campaign for 2024.

A procurement strategy structured around a per kilogram weight basis will be implemented, aiming to incentivise breeders for producing high-quality heifers within the target weight criteria. The objective is to commence breeding in early May for export by the end of October 2024. Additionally, an option for lighter stock will be provided, offering an alternative pathway where heifers can be bred in August and September for export in late February 2025.

Be a part of it

This export option allows Irish dairy farmers to breed without the fear of having no market for their heifers. If it is decided, when heifers are at yearling stage, that a herd wishes to hold onto them, that is their prerogative. It’s a win win situation. Selling prices are determined based on live weight up to a maximum of 350kg, facilitating direct sales from the farm without commission or transportation fees.

Meeting The Criteria - Dont miss the boat!

• Inseminate your Pedigree Holstein Friesian cows with sexed semen from a pedigree Holstein Friesian sire.

• Prioritise the selection of a bull or AI straw that leans towards Friesian bloodlines rather than pure American Holstein.

• 100% pedigree holds significant appeal to Algerian clientele.

• Pedigree Certificates are essential.

• The herd must be Milk Recorded.

• Uphold IBR Free status and a rigorous vaccination program of vital importance.

Beef calf buying schemes are increasing in popularity and its no wonder, offering bonus payments and comercial security in volitile markets. Below we outline 3 different options available to Irish dairy herds, with schemes aligned to 3 different breeds.

Buitelaar Longhorn Scheme

The Longhorn Scheme from the Buitelaar Group is in its 3rd Year of business in Ireland but it has a long established reputation in the UK. To some the Longhorn breed will be unfamiliar, however in 2024 there are 4,500 longhorn calves due on the ground across the UK and Ireland.

Breed Suitability

Buitelaar Group CEO, Adam Buitelaar notes that “The Longhorn brand has given us a real point of difference in our online meat sales; it also gives farmers another easy calving choice to the Angus, which are becoming more and more the norm.”

The longhorn is naturally predisposed to be easier calving than many native and continental breeds, short gestation periods and produce spritely, vibrant calves. Longhorns are an exceptionally tough and hardy type, which is apparent as fresh calves. Bright and quickly up and sucking, Longhorn calves are strong, healthy and posting impressive daily live weight gains right from birth. Bred to grow well and fatten on poorer ground, the Longhorn is well known for being an efficient feed converter,

Dairy Beef Calves Exploring Different Avenues

aligning extremely well with increasingly popular sustainable farming systems, such as regenerative grazing.

Longhorn Genetics

In Ireland, Longhorn genetics are available through Progressive Genetics and WWS Ireland and are priced similarly to other dairy beef straws. It is to be noted that the AI companies facilitate the sale of genetics, the procurement of calves is through Buitelaar.

Why the Longhorn Scheme?

Buitelaar offer an annual contract to breeders, providing commercial security and peace of mind. A calendar outlining collection centre locations and dates is offered, so farmers know where and when to have calves ready for. Longhorn calves within specifications are guaranteed a price of €250 for Bulls and €200 for Heifers

Specifications

Calves must be thrifty and vibrant, along with adhering to the below specifications to be accepted by the Buitelaar Longhorn Scheme.

• 100% fit & healthy, no signs of ill health, poor welfare or disease

• No jersey cross or New Zealand style calves

• Dams must be over 600kgs

• Minimum weight into collection centre: 60kgs

• Minimum DLWG into collection centre: 0.40kg/day

• Age into collection centre: 21-41 days

• Mandatory colostrum test: 15% minimum score

Supplier Requirements

• All Longhorn’s must be soley supplied to Buitelaar

• The contract must be signed & returned prior to semen being purchased

• All calves must meet the Longhorn scheme specification

• All Blue Card & Ear Tag details must be correct

• Only Longhorn stockbulls purchased directly from Buitelaar Group are permitted for use as part of the Longhorn contract

• Suppliers must fulfill 90% of the predicted calf supply as notified to the buyer in

• Writing at three month intervals how many calves are reasonably expected per month.

Certified Hereford Scheme

In order to promote the benefits of using a Hereford sire for both calf and essentially beef production - The Irish Hereford Breed Society has teamed up with Dawn Meats to run the ‘Certified Hereford Scheme’.

Hereford History

First introduced into Ireland in 1775, the Hereford has become a popular breeding option on these shores because it has the temperament, quality and performance to suit Irish conditions and tastes.

Bonus Payment

Eligible cattle for the scheme will qualify for a 20c/kg bonus payment on top of their weekly base price for Hereford and Hereford-cross cattle.

In order to be eligible, cattle must meet the following specifications:

• Must have HE or HEX on the blue card

• Cattle (steers and heifers only) between 18 months and 30 months of age;

• Carcass weights must range from 240kg-380kg;

• Eligible cattle must grade an O= or better;

• Carcass must have a fat score between 2+ and 4+;

• Herds must be Bord Bia Quality Assured.

Through the scheme, all Hereford and Herefordcross cattle presented for slaughter with Dawn Meats, that meet the specifications, will qualify for a breed bonus.

This bonus is on top any further quality assurance bonuses or bonuses offered by Dawn Meats.

The added bonus that can be obtained on top of the base price equates to:

Membership

Farmers wishing to avail of the bonus need to become members of the Certified Hereford Scheme. This can be done by completing and returning a membership form to the Irish Hereford Breed Society accompanied with a one-off payment of €100. The form can be downloaded from irishhereford.com or by contacting the IHBS on 044 9348855.

How to book in cattle

Following memberships being processed, cattle can be booked in directly to any of the five Dawn Meats plants or via local agents.

For further information or any questions or queries please contact the Irish Hereford Breed Society on 044 9348855/ 087 9196206 or by emailing info@irishhereford.com.

Kingsbury Wagyu Scheme

The Wagyu breed is famous for its tender meat with very high marbling which results in premium prices. Wagyu Holstein-Friesian crosses are now being sought in Ireland. Kingsbury Wagyu and Eurogene have teamed up to launch a Wagyu calf scheme.

The scheme is seeking Wagyu calves from good quality Holstein-Friesian cows and are offering regular calf collections and prices of up to €250 per calf if 42kgs or more at three weeks old. Interestingly they will accept calves from TB restricted herds. Contact Kingsbury or Eurogene for details.

•

Irish Hereford Prime are sponsoring €300 towards any bull sold for €3,500 & over!

Nenagh: Thursday April 4th

Bandon: Wednesday April 17th

Kilmallock: Friday April 19th

Nenagh: Thursday May 16th

Case Study

ABP Dairy Beef Programme

Donal and Jim Liston of the Houseview herd in Foynes are a fantastic example of a herd seeing the rewards of looking after the beef side of the farm. They pay attention to the beef genetics they are using to try to produce a premium product. The fact that they are building up a steady local customer base for their beef calves says it all. Its great to see regular customers arriving into the yard to pick up calves and it really gives them confidence for the future.

Donal is farming in Foynes, Co.Limerick with his wife Marie and son Jim. They operate a Spring calving herd of pedigree registered Holstein Friesian cows. They started calving on January 18th and on March 7th they have 81% of the herd calved – a busy period in February saw 102 cows calve in 18 days.

Marie is responsible for rearing all the calves on the farm where they have a mix of FR heifers and bulls along with Angus and Hereford beef calves.

The Listons rear all FR heifers and bulls on farm, Donal was previously getting €15-50 for FR bulls calves so made the decision to bring all FR males to beef. The steers are now being finished at 24-26 months and supply a good cash injection in Spring before milk volumes have increased. All other beef calves are sold off farm at 3 weeks old on average – Donal is part of the ABP Dairy Beef programme

which aims to create a link between dairy farmers that have a good cow type, good calf management and use high genetic merit beef bulls with ABP Beef farmers. Donal is using Angus and Hereford A.I (e.g. AA6682) bulls that have high carcass weight and conformation figures to produce a calf to suit the beef farmer but remain easy calving and short gestation. Donal also runs an AA and HE stock bull with his cows which also have excellent beef merit figures.

In Spring 2023 Donal was linked up with 3-4 ABP beef farmers in his locality that were interested in purchasing calves – this spring the same farmers have retuned to re-purchase calves from Donal as they are very happy with how the 2023 born calves have done. This system is a win win situation for both parties – the dairy farmer has a guaranteed outlet for his/her calves and the beef farmer can purchase good quality healthy calves direct off farm.

“It has nearly

milking, the

is unbelievable”

James

MONEYGURRAN CLOVER 62 EX95

A just reward for years of pedigree breeding, Moneygurran Clover 62 scores the herds first EX95!

640 feet above sea level in the hills above Castletownkinneigh, Co Cork, you’ll find the Moneygurran Herd owned by James and Seamus Crowley. Home to 200 pedigree Holsteins, on a split calving system, currently averaging 34.3 Litres at 4.53% Fat and 3.34% Protein. According to the herds latest coop performance report, 690kgs of solids was sold to Dairygold in 2023.

In 1938 the farm was brought into

dairy by James Crowley Senior, in 1979 Seamus took over the reins with son James now at the helm since 2013.

Seamus fondly remembers the whole herd grade-up in 1985 where the original ‘Clover 1’, the foundation cow of the family, was scored. The Clover family remains a large influence on the herd, with 30 milking in the herd today.

Currently in her 6th lactation, Clover 62’s average lactation completed stands at 12,987 litres at 3.88% Fat and 3.42% Protein. Sired by a stock bull, Ryefarm Like Lightning 2, purchased from Eddie O’Flynn at the 2011 Cork Bull Sale, Clover is described by James as a ‘freak of nature, that’s got better with age’. Looking at other Clovers in the herd, this score isn’t so out of the blue, with several multiple excellent cows in the family!

Not only does Clover 62 hold the coveted EX95 honour she has also given the family some great days in the show ring. In 2017 in her 3rd Lactation, she was crowned Champion at Barryroe and Dunmanway shows, local events that the family

have supported for years, making the wins that much sweeter.

A 1st Lactation daughter of Clover, sired by Praser (pictured) is causing much excitement in the yard. She calved in at the end of January with a heifer by Slash and is looking promising, she is yet to see a classifier. The Praser sired daughter ‘Clover 100’ marks a phenomenal milestone, she is the one hundredth member of the Clover family to be registered on the farm.

Moneygurran Clover 100

Seamus, James & Breda Crowley.

FAIRVIEW WRM PEACH EX93 MAX

Owned by Colin Walsh, Oldtown, Co. Dublin

Sired by West Port BOOKMAN RED out a 93 point JOTAN RED, Peach was classified 30th June 23’

Scoring: Frame EX93 - Rump EX92 - Body EX93 - Dairy EX93 - Feet/Legs EX92 - Mammary EX93

Kilsunny Friesians

KILSUNNY RUBY 89 EX90 2E

Our latest 100 tonne cow

Milked 101,240 litres & 7509 kgs milk solids over her lifetime

Completed SEVEN 305 day lactations over 10,000 litres

KILSUNNY LILY 47 EX90 2E

10 years old, fresh on her 9th calf January 2024 10,962 litres at 3.73% protein & 808 kgs milk solids in 305 days

Milked over 9000 litres for 5 lactations in a row

KILSUNNY FLORRIE 17 EX90

Classified EX90 December 2023 on her 4th lactation

Milked 10,282 litres & 708 kgs milk solids on her 2nd Milked 10,643 litres & 768 kgs milk solids on her 3rd

We have a wide selection of British Friesian bulls and heifers from all our top cow families for sale all year round!

Visitors & Enquiries always welcome

TREVOR DUDLEY & FAMILY, Kilsunny Hse, Dovea, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

0504 23461 / 086 3916922 / kilsunnyherd@gmail.com

ALL IRELAND AWARD WINNERS 2023

Heifer born after 1st January 2023

RESERVE

HONOURABLE

MENTION

Heifer born between 1st July & 31st Dec ‘22

CHAMPION

RESERVE

HONOURABLE

MENTION

JONES LAMBDA FAME - Jones Holsteins

DALEVALLEY PJ BAROLO AIKO - Enda Doran

GREENLEA DOC TOKYO ET- Padraic Greenan

BOLEYBAWN CHIEF BRENDA - Anthony Kealy

REDHEAD UNIX KOBA 2 IMP - Steve & Maria McLoughlin

Heifer

ALL IRELAND AWARD WINNERS 2023

RESERVE

HONOURABLE MENTION

Heifer in milk born between 1st Jan & 31st Dec ‘21

CHAMPION

RESERVE

HONOURABLE MENTION

CHERRYBLOSSOM

born between 1st Jan & 30th June ‘22

CORNBORO DENVER ADA - Brian Corley CHAMPION

SPRUCEGROVE CRUSHABULL SIRTEA Keypoint Holsteins

HILLTARA DIAMONDBACK CLEVAGE - Philip Jones

JONES LAMBDA TWIZZLE - Philip & Gary Jones

JONES CRUSHTIME PATRICIA Jones, Knowlesmere & Conroy

ALL IRELAND AWARD WINNERS 2023

3yr old cow in milk born between 1st Jan & 31st Dec 20

CHAMPION

RESERVE

HONOURABLE MENTION

4yr old cow in milk born between 1st Jan & 31st Dec 19

CHAMPION (JOINT)

CHAMPION (JOINT)

EEDY DOORMAN FAME Robert, Sylvia, Jason & Laura Helen

HONOURABLE MENTION

HALLOW DIAMONDBACK TWIZZLE 3 - Philip Jones

HALLOW DENVER TWIZZLE - Philip Jones

DALEVALLEY MAZE APPLE RED John Curtin & Roy Cromie

BAWNMORE PEPPER ALMERIC Bryan & John O’Connor

WILT ELISE - Bryan & John O’Connor

ALL IRELAND AWARD WINNERS 2023

CHAMPION

RESERVE

HONOURABLE MENTION

on or before 31st Dec 17

CHAMPION

RESERVE

HONOURABLE MENTION

HALLOW SOL TWIZZLE - Philip Jones

MONAMORE DIAMOND BARBIE Tom & James Kelly & Alan Dorian

EVERGREEN SUSIE MIST 26 RC Liam & Sandra Murphy

HALLOW ATWOOD CARMEN - Philip Jones

STERNDALE COLT RAE ET - Liam & Sandra Murphy

5yr old cow in milk born between 1st Jan & 31st Dec 18

Mature cow in milk born

RESERVE

HONOURABLE MENTION

CHAMPION

RESERVE

HONOURABLE MENTION

CARRICKBRACK GOOGLE SALLY - John Allen

CARRICKBRACK GOOGLE AMY - John Allen

KILSUNNY JUDY

MOUNTAIN CHAD ROSIE EX91 - Michael Spillane

MOUNTAIN SPITFIRE ROSIE 3 - Michael Spillane

MOUNTAIN JUBULARIS ROSIE 3 EX93

Irish Pure Friesian - Heifer in Milk

Irish Pure Friesian - Cow in Milk

Ted Boyce

Surrounded by his loving & adored family, Ted Boyce breathed his final breath and passed on to his eternal reward on Tuesday, December 5th 2023. The Holstein Friesian breed, cattle farming, exhibiting at shows and quality livestock breeding were his deep-seeded passions throughout his life. This was so evident and apparent for all to see when Ted lay in repose in the funeral home with toy Holstein Friesian cows and a copy of an Irish Holstein Friesian Association members journal placed by his side in the coffin.

Ted was President of the Limerick/Clare Friesian Breeders club until the time of his passing. He thoroughly embraced fulfilling this role – the highest officer position of his beloved club. He also had previously served as Chairman of the Club for six successful years. His wide circle of friends in the club testify to his exemplary attendance at club meetings, functions, and his eager participation in club trips and outings. Always keen to encourage and inspire the next generation, Ted had a special affinity for YMA. This encouragement was heightened when his grandchildren Shane and Clodagh were on the halter showing their calves. Exhibiting at shows was very much a family occasion for Ted, the family travelled together to shows both near and far from home. For Ted, the element of supporting the show and enjoying the social company of fellow exhibitors on the day was paramount.

At National level Ted previously served as a member of the IHFA Board, as an elected representative of the Limerick/Clare club. His term on the Board coincided with the establishment of IHFA as an independent herdbook and the opening of the IHFA office premises in 2002. During this time his friend and fellow club stalwart Jimmy Hannan, RIP, held the office of IHFA President. His positive contribution to the development of cattle breeding, including other breeds, extended to serving with distinction as a member of both the North Munster Bull sale Society and Kilmallock livestock mart committee.

Ted’s great life-long love was his adoring wife Marie and the family that they were blessed with. Emphasising this strong family bond and the intertwining of pedigree registered Holstein Friesian breeding, the choice of herd prefix was borne from the inspired combination in equal parts of Kelleher (Marie’s maiden name) with Boyce - KELBOY. Marie and Ted registered their prefix with the then Holstein UK & Ireland (HUKI) herdbook on November 26th 1986.

Testimony to his gregarious, personable, sociable and fun-loving good nature Ted had a vast circle of friends and was a well-known and well-liked character within the community of pedigree breeders. The esteem in which he was held in locally was evidently demonstrated by the strong number of his fellow club members who provided a guard of honour at the removal of his remains. His passing aged 77 years creates a huge void in the lives of his family, friends and all who mourn him. Our condolences and sympathies to his wife Marie, son Joe, daughters Niamh & Angela, daughter in-law Margaret, grandchildren Shane & Clodagh, his brother Gerard and to all family members.

Kelboy Herd, Ballytigue, Bruree, Co. Limerick.

“My mature herd pre-robots was producing 630kgs of milk solids, but to see how the herd comprising of just first and second calvers produced 640kgs last year, was phenomenol. I thought we’d be waiting 4-5 years for that.”

Richard Langford, Laune Holsteins Milking with 2 Lely Astronaut robots since 2022

Contact Lely Center Mitchelstown on 025 - 41665 or scan the QR code to learn how automatic milking can help you to get more in the tank, with less labour

Dalevalley

SKY HIGH PROTEIN SALE

WEDNESDAY 12TH JUNE 2024

CARNAROSS MART

Beautiful B&W & R&W show age heifers sell from great cow families

APPLE-RED, D-R-A AUGUST, HOTSTUFF-RED & COSMOPOLITAN

Sired by Parfect, Haniko, OH RangerRed, Jordy-Red & Lambda.

FIRST TIME TO

DREWHOLME LAMBDA LEYSURE-P (VG88-3YR-CAN)

Nominated All-Canadian 2021; sold $60,000 Blondin Sale 2023; 6th generation 3 60% Protein; 5 sons in AI at Blondin & Semex; 15th Gen VG/EX from exciting new branch of Idee Lustre (EX95) Cow family recently featured in Holstein International SELLING - her 3 FULL SISTERS born April 2024

Also selling her two August’23 LAMBDA full blood sisters

Roy & Heather Cromie 087-2479395 Carnone, Castlefin, Co.Donegal

CRASDALE DM HUNTER (EX91-CAN)

2nd lact 12,917kg 5 40%BF

4 20% Protein 305 days

10th Generation VG/EX - Her 3dam is sister to Cookiecutter MOM Halo (VG88-2YR)Holstein International Cow Of The Year 2019

Selling her two August’23 daughters by LAMBDA -They are FANCY !!

TWIZZLE AT THE TOP

Southern Breeders to the fore at the 2023 Winter Fair.

The 37th Royal Ulster Agricultural Society Winter Fair took place on Thursday December 14th 2023. The hundreds of visitors who attended is testimony to the ever-increasing popularity and success of the event. Sponsored by Danske Bank, the Royal Ulster Winter Fair is one of the distinguished headline agricultural events in Northern Ireland. Once again, a large contingent of both exhibitors and visitors from the South were in attendance.

The 2023 Supreme Interbreed Champion and Holstein Champion was won by Hallow Solomon Twizzle 3 exhibited by Hallow Holsteins, Gorey, Co. Wexford. Winner of the Mature cow class and best udder she also won the Exhibitor bred Supreme Interbreed crown. Calved since November 1st in her 4th lactation she has a projected 305 d yield of 11,900 kgs milk, 937 kgs milk solids, 4.26 % Fat, 3.54 % Protein. Sired by Walnutlawn Solomon (FR2094) her Dam is Hallow Advent Twizzle 3 ET EX96 5E. It was a most successful show for the Hallow herd with further Championship successes including;

• Junior Holstein Champion & Interbreed Junior Champion won by Hallow Alligator Carmen. (6) Sired by Stantons Alligator ET VG85 (FR9707) she is bred from seven generations of VG/EX Dams.

• Hallow Denver Twizzle won Reserve Champion in the Heifer Championship, 1st Senior Heifer & best udder. Calved since January she has recorded a 305 d lactation yield of 9,581 kgs milk, 744 kgs milk solids, 4.20 % Fat, 3.56 % Protein.

For Peter Hynes, Rathard herd, Aherla, Co. Cork it was a very successful show. His Junior Heifer Eedy Rubicon Acclaim (7) won 1st Junior Heifer in milk. She calvedin less than two years of age and then Classified VG87 on conformation six weeks later. Sired by EDG Rubicon (S2316) she is an 11th generation VG/EX Dam. She is projected to yield > 9,000 kgs milk, 620 kgs milk solids in her first lactation.

Jones Chief Jay Z (5) also exhibited by Peter Hynes won 1st Intermediate calf, Reserve Champion Junior Holstein and Reserve Champion in the Junior Interbreed Championship. Born in September ’22, she is sired by Stantons

Chief and is a grand-daughter of Knonaudale Jasmine EX96 4E (EX97 MS) via an EX90 Doorman Dam.

Other breeders to have featured include;

• Dalevalley Lambda Aiko exhibited by Roy & Heather Cromie, Co. Donegal won 2nd junior calf.

• Boleybawn Chief Brenda exhibited by Steve & Maria McLoughlin, Co. Kildare won 2nd intermediate calf.

• Peak Solo Rhapsody exhibited by Liam & Sandra Murphy, Co. Carlow won 2nd Mature cow.

Mike Duckett from Rudolph, Wisconsin, USA was the judge of the 37th Royal Ulster Winter Fair. The Duckett family have achieved great successes in the showring, exhibiting three Supreme Champions at the U.S.A. World Dairy Expo. The Duckett herd has developed one EX97 cow, four EX96 cows and five EX95 cows and the herd has achieved more than ninety All-American awards over the years. Mike’s previous judging experience includes the New York Spring Holstein Show, the Quebec Spring Show and the California Holstein & Jersey Spring show.

YMA Success

The Young Members Association (YMA) enjoyed multiple successes at the Royal Ulster Winter Fair 2023. Sister and brother Niamh (1) & Manus Murphy (3), Fenagh, Co Carlow won 1st place in their respect ive Junior & Senior Showmanship classes. Becky Hynes (2), Rathard, Aherla, Co Cork won 1st prize in her Intermediate Showmanship class. Georgie Hynes (sister to Becky) was placed 2nd in the Junior Showmanship class. Will and Kate Jones, Gorey, Co. Wexford were also prominent in the Showmanship classes.

Pictured Left: Supreme Interbreed Champion Hallow Solomon Twizzle 3 with Philip, Linda, Kate & Will Jones, Judge Mike Duckett, Rodney Brown, Head of Agribusiness, Danske Bank, accompanied by Christine Adams, President, RUAS.

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MEET THE JUDGE

Renowned UK based judge David Booth of Feizor Holsteins will Judge the 12th Emerald Expo. David is a fourth-generation farmer and the family farm, Old Hall Farm, is located in the Yorkshire Dales National Park in Northern England. The Feizor Pedigree Registered herd consists of a 120 cow milking herd with 170 youngstock followers. The milking herd has an annual average production of 12,300 litres, twice a day milking with the herd housed all year round. The milking cow diet is predominantly an all forage based TMR with attention to detail on producing top quality home-grown multicut crops of grass silage and maize silage. The Feizor herd has won many showing successes including Senior Champion of the Royal Show in 2005, and also exhibited the Agri Scot Super Heifer in recent years. The herd was judged the winner of the prestigious Holstein UK Premier herd competition in 2012. A member of the Holstein UK National Judges panel for a number of years David is a renowned judge. He states that he is very fortunate to have judged numerous National shows including the Holstein UK Dairy Day, Royal Welsh Show, All Britain All Breeds Calf Show, Balmoral Show and the Diageo Baileys Champion Cow in 2022. David states “I look for a balanced cow with a really good udder who moves freely on a quality set of feet and legs. I also like to see a cow having that breed character of dairyness in addition to her overall quality and balance. It is an honour to have been asked to judge the Emerald Expo and I am very much looking forward to it”.

EMERALD EXPO 2024 Preview

By Donal Carey

Emerald Expo returns on Saturday April 27th

Now in its 12th year, Emerald Expo returns to the Virginia Show Centre in Co. Cavan on Saturday April 27th. This alldairy breeds cattle show is the very first show of the year in Ireland with a substantial prize fund on offer. The Emerald Expo main sponsor is FBD Insurance with supporting sponsorship from IHFA and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The prize schedule includes seven Championships. A new introduction to the show this year is an individual Championship for Red & White Holstein Friesian animals. The Emerald Expo youngstock confined class is a dedicated class open to breeders from the surrounding IHFA club areas, Breffni Oriel, North Eastern, West Midlands and Donegal. Once again, all eyes will be on the top calibre stock in contention for the Emerald Expo Senior Champion and the prize of taking home the Seamus Kelly memorial perpetual trophy.

The Virginia Show Centre is an impressive facility and all visitors to the show can be assured of an hospitable welcome from the show centre personnel. The location is very convenient and is amenable to exhibitors and visitors from Northern Ireland. Young Members (YMA) handling classes will kick-start the show proceedings on the day.

Richard Whelan, Emerald Expo Show Director states the continued success of the Emerald Expo now in its 12th year is a reflection of the commitment from all stakeholders involved including sponsors and cattle exhibitors. Richard states “On behalf of the organising committee, I especially thank FBD as title sponsor and thanks also to the IHFA, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and all class sponsors. The Show fills the calendar void of what was the RDS Spring show in the past and as it is the first show of the year it is a unique platform for breeders to turn out their stock and put their herds in the shop window. It is an opportunity to meet up with fellow breeders and to enjoy a social and educational day out. It is also a commercial opportunity for the agri industry to showcase new products and services”. Admission is free on show day, Saturday April 27th, and all are welcome.

2023 Champion Jones Crushtime Patricia, exhibited by Jones & Knowlesmere Holsteins

The 2024 YMA AGM was held on Friday the 26th of January in the Maldron Hotel Portlaoise. It was great to see a fantastic turnout of our young members and also a few new faces. We heard addresses from our National Chairperson Sinead O’Sullivan and our National Co-Ordinator Kane Boal who both summarised the YMA year very well. It was the consensus that YMA had a very successful year in 2023 both nationally and internationally. YMA fielded 3 teams for the HYB Rally in England, European Young Breeders School in Belgium and the Italian Open Junior Show, with all young members excelling in each circle. Our guest speaker for the evening was the very informative Karina Pierce of UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science. Karina briefed us on her career path to date and was very insightful.

The time came to say farewell to our National Co-Ordinator for the last 2 years, Kane Boal. Kane’s experience on the National Committee certainly stood to him in his role where he was always on hand to help our younger members as well as his fellow committee. Kane said “It has been a really enjoyable two years which has had many challenges such as trying to get YMA up and running again after the Covid-19 pandemic and the change in the Calf Show venue to mention a few. With this said, I think YMA is in a really good place and the attendance at the National Calf Show and the Field 2 Foto in Gurteen

YMA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

emphasises this. I would like to convey a massive thank you to all the officers that I have worked with during my time as Co-ordinator and to CEO Laurence Feeney and the IHFA staff. Best wishes to the incoming Co-ordinator in their new role. You really get an insight into what is involved in organising YMA events”.

Our Election of Officers took place at our first committee meeting of 2024, held on the 23rd of February 2024 in the Maldron Hotel, Portlaoise. We send our farewells to Kane Boal as our National Co Ordinator, but we welcome aboard Rachel Corley of Breffni Oriel. Both Sinead O’Sullivan (Cork club) was re-elected as chairperson and Jane Hannan (Limerick/Clare club) as National PRO for the coming year. It is full steam ahead now for 2024 with many events planned!

DIAMOND AWARDS 2023

For cows having yielded 3,000kgs of protein in her lifetime (20 23) and classified Excellent

GOLD AWARDS 2023

For cows having yielded 3,000kgs of protein in her lifetime (2023)

Please

IHFA ALL STAR AWARD RECIPIENT 2023

Bawnmore Pepper Almeric

Owned by Bryan & John O’Connor, Kanturk, Co Cork

John & Bryan O’ Connor’s BAWNMORE PEPPER ALMERIC EX90 (max score) wins the “Showing Oscar of the Year”.

Bawnmore Pepper Almeric EX bred and owned by brothers John & Bryan O’ Connor, Kanturk Co. Cork is the recipient of the IHFA All Star Award for 2023. Her credentials in terms of success and achievements in National shows last year includes;

• Supreme Champion Tullamore National Livestock Show

• Reserve Champion & Exhibitor bred Champion, Diageo Baileys All Ireland Championship

Bryan and John were presented with the award at a special Pedigree Cattle Breeders Council of Ireland (PCBCOI) function held in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise on Sunday February 11th last. Fourteen breed societies were represented, each with a nominated recipient as the “All Star” of their respective breed. Bryan and John describe the function as “Thoroughly enjoyable, akin to the Oscars ceremony

in terms of the best of the best of all breeds and it is a fitting modern iteration of the RDS Champion of Champions”.

2023 was a remarkable year of achievements for Bawnmore Pepper Almeric. Having achieved a Classification score of VG88 2-Year-Old she then went on to achieve the maximum Classification score possible of EX90 as a second-calver on October 4th. She also won Senior Champion & All Ireland Junior Cow Champion of Charleville Show 2023. She won Champion All Ireland 3-Year-Old 2022 & joint Champion 4-Year Old 2023 in the IHFA All Ireland awards. She has a projected 2nd lactation yield (305 d) of 10,274 kgs milk, 717 kgs milk solids.

Bryan comments “From a young age it was always obvious that she was something special. Even as a yearling heifer she had that X factor”. In a remarkable mirror-image double achievement by both daughter and Dam, both she and her mother Clon-

By Donal Carey

gowes Sid Almeric 2 EX95 4E exhibited by the O’Connor family, won Champion Tullamore National Livestock Show and Senior Champion & All Ireland Junior Cow Champion of Charleville Show respectively, seven years apart with her Dam achieving this National success in 2016. Bryan and John are very pleased with the performance of her maternal sister Bawnmore Massey Almeric EX94 3E in the herd.

The Clongowes herd connection & Pat Fanning

Bryan and John are fulsome in their praise of Pat Fanning, former manager of the Clongowes herd for his role and foresight in developing the Almeric cow family. John states “In fairness to Pat, he really developed the family, he always used the top sires of the time in a strategic way in every generation. Credit to him, he really got the show on the road”. Testament to their own innate sharp eye for quality breeding, no doubt inherited from their late father Brian Senior who was

a noted stockman, Bryan and John picked out her mother Clongowes Sid Almeric 2 as their weanling of choice when making a purchase at the youngstock dispersal sale of the Clongowes herd in Co. Kildare in 2013. Bryan comments “In my view she was the standout weanling in the sale. I had been really impressed by her Shottle mother, her udder quality was something else. The sire stack in her pedigree of Sid x EX Shottle x EX Goldwyn was also appealing”.

Pepper’s Showing Achievements and the talents of Paul Murphy Bryan states “Her maiden outing to a show was Emerald Expo in 2022. It was a very successful show where she won 1st Heifer in milk, and she also won Intermediate Champion. She was never haltered prior to preparing for Expo. She has a lovely unassuming nature, very quiet disposition however she just did not like the halter at all initially. It is without doubt thanks to Paul Murphy for his skills that we managed to get her trained. Paul with his patience and perseverance, gained her confidence over time”. John concurs; “Paul has been the one and only on the halter leading her in the ring for all the shows. Paul is gifted, he is simply brilliant, so switched on, a super operator. If we are talking in terms of Pepper Almeric being an Oscar winner, then in our eyes Paul is also an Oscar winner for his incredible supporting role”.

Mervyn Eager awarded Lifetime Achievement recognition by the Pedigree Cattle Breeders Council of Ireland.

Mervyn Eager (Evergrange herd), Newcastle, Co. Dublin was presented with a lifetime achievement award by the Pedigree Cattle Breeders Council of Ireland (PCBCOI) at it’s annual All Star Awards function which took place on Sunday, February 11th.

The PCBCOI is a representative forum for all breed societies both dairy and beef, to further issues in common and to make co-operative representation for the benefit of member breed societies in the operation of their National herdbooks. Sixteen breed societies were represented at the recent All Star Awards function where each society nominated one recipient as the best in the breed for 2023.

First elected as a member of the Pedigree Breeders Council in the mid 1990’s Mervyn and Kevin Dillon served as the two Irish Holstein Friesian Association representatives. Sean Sherman, Chairman of the PCBCOI in his presentation address commended Mervyn for his dedicated service as a Council member and for his overall contribution on behalf of all pedigree breeders, across all breeds. Mervyn served as a Council member for twenty-five years including ten years as vice Chairman and eight years as Chairman upon his retirement in the Autumn of 2018. Mervyn was accompanied by his wife Avril at the awards function where the PCBCOI presented a gift in appreciation for his lifetime contribution. In his acceptance speech Mervyn praised the work and contribution made by the PCBCOI, the important contribution that breeders make towards genetic improvement and he also highlighted the importance of maintaining a united alignment for the continued prosperity of all cattle breed societies.

Pictured: IHFA Chairman Paul Hannon, Damien Burke, Bryan O’Connor, IHFA President Richard Hamilton, John O’Connor, Paul Murphy, Emma Behan & Stephen Burke

Dam: Clongowes Sid Almeric 2 EX95 4E

DONAL DINEEN BERRINGS CO CORK

JENNY 678 F73 DOIRE MVA JENNY 490 91.80 6.23 0.05 7.6 0.08 358 69 49 194

BALLINROE LHZ BUNTY 1639 8 (IG) LAURAGH EVERT BALLINROE SBH BUNTY 763 BALLINROE ROC BUNTY 423 -67.93 8.19 0.19 3.6 0.11 358 68 45 209

MICHAEL MURPHY BALLINHASSIG CO CORK

1 (IG) KILFEACLE PIVOTAL SKEHANAGH AVRIL 200 VG88 SKEHANAGH AVRIL 182 VG85 183.13 19.84 0.21 12.4 0.10 356 62 98 172

THOMAS COLLIER TEMPLETUOHY CO TIPPERARY SKEHANAGH AVRIL 231 GP80

1 SAINTBRIGID FRANK JOSEPH GLENGROGAN LHZ AIDA 1408 GLENGROGAN FLT AIDA 1104 -120.35 9.47 0.25 7.4 0.21 356 59

NIALL CLARIDGE SLIEVERUE CO KILKENNY ANNALEISH SJI SALLY EX90 11 (IG) SUNNYBANK JUSTIN ANNALEISH IRL SALLY EX90 ANNALEISH JOS SALLY 37.31 10.31 0.15

GLENGROGAN 5860 AIDA 2963

EILIS HELEN DONOUGHMORE CO CORK KOZ KARINA 639

KEVINSFORT OJI HAZE WLO KARINA 548 UYC

187 JOHN WALSH SCARTAGLIN CO KERRY

VINCENT AGNES VG86 5 (IG) DERRYLAMOGUE VINCENT KISKEAM PKR AGNES 431 KISKEAM UPH AGNES 381 VG87 -176.8 7.3 0.25 6.9 0.23

AVRIL 200 VG88 7 (IG) PARKDUV MOUNT EVEREST SKEHANAGH AVRIL 182 VG85 SKEHANAGH AVRIL 158 EX90 275.1

340 69 7 218 BILL O KEEFFE CLARA CO KILKENNY

ROCKET EMILY VG85 CHURCHCLARA CAPAN EMILY VG88 -37.4 3.6 0.09 -0.6 0.01

250 ANDREW DARMODY

337 69 -18

NEWHILL LAVENDER 994 G78 10 CHURCHCLARA ROCKET NEWHILL PLU LAVENDER 558 GP81 NEWHILL LAVENDER 235 VG85 -48.3 -4.0 -0.04 -2.4 -0.01

-297.1 -6.9 0.09 -7.6 0.05 285 65 -32 190 MARTIN CROWE DOON CO LIMERICK

TREASURE 442 10 RAHEENARRAN BCG SOCHAR BOULEREA GROVE TREASURE BOULEREA TREASURE 197 -337.9 0.8 0.25 -3.6 0.14 285 53 11 162 JOHN BERGIN BALLYBROPHY CO LAOIS FERGUS MARCELLA 3485 G79 3 CATLANE MASTERCHEF FERGUS MARCELLA 2055 VG85 FERGUS MARCELLA 1510 GP82 -3.4 4.6 0.08 3.6 0.06 284 62 31 149

DAN CROWLEY DRIPSEY CO CORK

8 RAHEENARRAN BCG SOCHAR OISIN MUSK 1162 F67 OISIN MUSK 637 VG87 -255.7 -7.7 0.04 -2.0 0.12 284 69 -5 181 TIMOTHY TWOMEY BANTEER CO CORK

FERGAL BURKE KILMALEY CO CLARE

OISIN MUSK 1574 VG86

KILMALEYHILL RVJ AVERIL 516 8 RAHEENARRAN BCG SOCHAR KILMALEYHILL TIH AVERIL 318 KILMALEYHILL MCY AVERIL 81 -431.0 -14.3 0.05 -9.1 0.10 283 69 -45 188

BOOLONUNANE HOLLY 37 VG85 9 RAHEENARRAN BCG SOCHAR BOOLONUNANE HOLLY 11 VG86 BOOLONUNANE

KARINA 2 -181.3 -4.5 0.05 0.3 0.12 259 69 9 174 PEADAR HEALY CASTLECOMER CO KILKENNY

DUNUM SNEACTA 1084 VG87 11 DUNUM JAYSON DUNUM SNEACTA 79 VG85 DUNUM SNEACTA 69 GP80 -194.9 -8.6 -0.02 -5.5 0.02 259 65 -33 190 MARTIN CROWE DOON CO LIMERICK COOLMOHAN LILY EGBERT

PURE FRIESIAN CLUB NEWS

News Since Winter Journal:

For more information on any of these items, please visit www.irishpurefriesian.com.

This year’s National Pure Friesian Open Day will be hosted by Pat & Claire Cleary, Carrickshock, Hugginstown, Co. Kilkenny. There will be a celebration sale on the day and building on the last few years, it promises to be a great event. Thursday June 29th 2024 is the date for your diaries. Bring the family.

Recent Events

We kicked off the 2024 series of on-farm meetups at Jim & Elaine Corby’s farm, Co. Tipperary in January. A lovely morning of conversation and beautiful refreshments which were heartily appreciated, but are not a requirement for hosting a get together. The focus of these meetups is to get out of your own yard and meet your peers. Pictures below show the relaxed nature of the meetups. Thanks again Jim & Elaine for a great morning and for successfully kicking off the 2024 series.

Upcoming Events:

More on-farm meetups will be announced for summer and autumn 2024. Keep an eye on our website for the details and to find a meetup near you. Both Richard O’Mahony of Shangan and Oliver Dempsey of Barrowvale herds have volunteered, and as soon as dates have been agreed we’ll post it on the events section of the website.

A.O.B.

At the AGM the following members were elected to join the club’s committee: Pat Cleary, John Long, John Kiersey and Jim Corby.

New members are always welcome, email: irishpurefriesiancommittee@gmail.com or contact the membership secretary Francis Fitzgerald on 0863662712

BREFFNI ORIEL

November Social Night

Last November we held a Social Night within the club. Thank you to Mark O Rourke in Univet for sponsoring our Stock Judging trophies, to Paddy Sherlock for acting as compere for our Mr & Mrs, to Frank & Brendan for their help in preparing the venue, to all those who generously donated spot prizes for our raffle, the ladies who prepared all of the food, to Caroline Lovett for accepting our donation on behalf of the Cavan/Monaghan Step Down Unit & most importantly everyone who donated to this worthy cause. We are delighted to have raised over €2100 for this worthy cause!

Our teams to represent Breffni Oriel in the stock judging at the 2024 IHFA Open Day:

Junior:

1st Stephen McCoy

2nd Pauric Prunty

3rd Hannah Williamson

Intermediate:

1st Brendan Reilly

2nd Rachel Corley

3rd Deane Mc Coy

Senior:

1st Roy Cromie

2nd Kenny Boyd

3rd Padraic Greenan

Table Quiz

Our annual table quiz will be held in Cavan Rugby club on Friday, March 22nd. This year’s proceeds are in aid of the Air Ambulance…a very worthy cause. Please come along for an evening of entertainment and support this worthy cause.

New Club Officers Nomination

RUAS Winter Fair

Congratulations to our club members Christian & Sinead Keenan (Threemile) and Roy & Heather Cromie (Dalevalley) on their success at the RUAS Winter Fair in December. Christian & Sinead had a 4th place finish in the Ayrshire 3rd lactation class. Roy & Heather had a 2nd place finish in the second heifer class of the day, who then went on to be Honourable Mention Junior Champion. Congratulations all!

Our AGM was held in Tullyvin on the 29th of January. An election of officers was held on the night and a brief run down of the events for the coming year.

Chairperson: Trevor Williamson Secretary: Edwin Gaynor Treasurer: Mary Rafferty PRO: Andrea Rafferty

YMA Representatives: Hannah Greenan & Rachel Corley

Best of luck to everyone for everyone for 2024 and new members are always welcome

CORK

AGM

The Cork Holstein Friesian Club held a very successful AGM at The Cork International hotel on Friday the 24th of November. A large crowd Attendance on the night. The Meeting started off with all Club officers reading out their reports on another successful year for the club. After reports we had the Election of President Elect. Our President Elect is Mr. John Kirby. John is no stranger as he is currently a classier with the IHFA. John come from strong farm ground himself have grown up in Co Kerry at home of “Smearlaview” home of the “Vixan” family which John and his bother Tim important from Canada in the late 90s and is now one of the great cow families in Ireland to this day. John came to cork many years ago when he took up the role as farm manager at Lisselan Estate and took the herd to next level. John has also been involved in club over a long number of years. Our next award on the night was club person of the year. This year’s worthy winner was Mr. James Crowley of the “Moneygurran” herd. James has been a hard-working member of the committee and the Club. No matter what’s on, James is always willing to lend a hand to help. From our spring sales to the club tour to the national dairy show no matter what’s on James is always there and is a great role model and is a very worthy winner of this year’s award. It’s fitting that his father Seamus was the first winner of this award many years ago.

Awards

Next part of the was the handing out of stock judging winner’s cups and this are for the people that got the most point over our three field evenings held over the summer.

The winners were as followed:

Under 18 - James Coleman

18-26 - Claire Kirby

Over 26 - Billy Deane

Our final award of the night was young stock award at the National Dairy Show. This award is for a YMA age young person who went above and beyond helping before during and after the national dairy show and show good sportsmanship and willingness to help others. This year’s worthy winner was Conor Ahern of the “Moorshill” herd.

Our Guest Speaker

This year’s speaker was Mark Logan Manager of Clandeboye Estate in Northern Ireland. Mark

Gave a really detailed and interesting overview of the over 2000-acre estate and all enterprises on it with the heart of it being it pedigree dairy herd suppling its on-site yogurts making operations. The Estate is also involved many other things from its beef herd and forestry to being a movie set for many big film and TV shows. The most talk about point of mark presentation was the on-farm AD plant with the pros and cons of it from the cost of getting it up and going to the saving on the farm electricity and heating cost. The Club would like to thank Mark for making the long trip to come down to speak to the club and his very interesting talk.

Pedigree Breeders Council Ireland Awards

The Cork club were delighted to find that the 2023 Irish Holstein Friesian Breeders nomination for Holstein Cow of the year was Bawnmore Pepper Almeric EX90 - a sensational year for this exciting young cow. All Ireland Junior Cow Champion. National Livestock Show Tullamore Champion. Res Champion Baileys and Exhib Bred Champion. Her Dam Clongowes Sid Almeric Ex95. was also All Ireland Jun. Cow Champion and Tullamore Champion in 2016. This is a historic double that has never been done before.

Club Heifer and Bull Sale

The clubs are back again this year. This year our club heifer sale will take place on Friday the 29th of March in Corrin mart and our club bull sale will take place on the 3rd of April in Bandon mart. Both club sales are of a high standard so buyers can be guaranteed that their new purchase will going on to do great things on their farm.

Closing date is the 15th of March and if you want any more information, please contact any club member or contact the mart. Some numbers off last year sales: Heifers topped at €3600 with an average price of €2300 and bulls topping at €4050 with average price of €3025.

AI night

CORK

The club once’s again would like to thank everyone that came to their AI night in January. Seven great speakers on the night outline greats bulls from there companies. With only standing room at the end, it was a great night had by all.

50th Anniversary

This year marks 50 years of the Cork Holstein Friesian Club. A great year of events will be held though out the year with a dinner dance and club night will in the autumn. So, make sure to keep an eye on milk matters and all our social media to see what exciting stuff that will be happening.

All Ireland Awards

Another great year in The All-Ireland Awards with many Cork Cows and Calf nominated across all Sections. It was great to get so many winners at the award day.

All Ireland 4-Year-old in milk:

Honourable Mention -Wilt Elise, Bryan, and John O Connor

Joint Champion - Eedy Doorman Fame, Robert, Sylvia, Jason, and Laura Helen

Joint Champion - Bawnmore Pepper Almeric, Bryan and John O Connor.

Mature Cow in Milk:

Honourable Mention - Eedy Damion Acclaim, Robert, Sylvia, Jason, and Laura Helen

TIPPERARY/WATERFORD

Christmas Party

Tipperary Waterford Club held their annual Christmas Party on the 8th December in the Talbot Hotel in Clonmel. It was great to see a wonderful crowd in attendance and it was a lovely social night to end the year. Our thanks to our chairman Gordon and his helpers for all their work during the year.

2024 Events

Plans are being put in place for our 2 Stock judging Evenings in June our Herds competition and our Annual Trip. I would like to wish all our members a happy and successful 2024.

KERRY

AGM

The club held its AGM on December 11th in the Rose Hotel, Tralee. A new chairman was appointed on the night, John O’Hanlon Ballyduff took on the role after a term as vice chairman. The club would like to thank our outgoing chairman Leo O’Connor who did a fantastic job during his term and we wish our newly appointed officers the best of luck in their roles.

On the night of the AGM, a presentation of photos taken by Jane Steel at the Judge’s conference was presented to each breeder who had a cow at the event. Treasured memories for us all and many thanks to the IHFA for this kind token of appreciation.

Herds Competition

Dairymaster made a presentation of the Dairymaster Perpetual cups to the two herd owners of our champion and junior champion cows in our herds competition. The Champion cow was awarded to Peak Link Up Lustre owned by John and Ann O’Hanlon, Ballyduff. The Junior Champion cow was awarded to Patrick Buckley Duagh with Meenare Dancer. Well done to both and many thanks to our sponsors Dairymaster and to Mick Gould, Competition Judge.

Club Video

Our club video was launched in the autumn on the Herd of Daniel & Emer Curtin of Euro Holsteins. We would like to thank our sponsors Kellihers Feed & Agri Suppliers, Ballymullen, Tralee. The video can be found on our Facebook page – well worth a watch!

WWS Information Night

Starting off on the 6th November 2023, we had an information night where WWS’s Conor Morley and Ronan O’Siochru spoke on Genetic Selection and Brian Reidy gave a very interesting presentation

on merging resources for future dairy production. Thanks to WWS for organising the event.

Semex Roadshow

On December 5th, the Semex Roadshow came to Kerry. On the night Mike Dennison gave a presentation on bulls on offer for the coming season. Drew Sloan gave a presentation on new innovations from Semex including breeding for methane reductions and Martin Kavanagh gave a quick presentation on cow signals - Cows @ housing. Thanks to Munster Bovine for organising the event.

Silage Competition

Another successful event was the results of the Silage competition that was kindly sponsored by Nicky Leen. Nicky gave a presentation on the importance of quality forage and the effects poorer forage has on performance and on the future sustainability on farms.

The results from the competition were: -

Pit Silage 1st Leo O’Connor

2nd John O’Hanlon

3rd Owen O’Sullivan

Bale Silage 1st Pat Hanrahan

2nd JP O’Carroll

3rd Ronan O’Siochru

Cows & Coffee Night.

This year the club decided to do something a little different and on January 24th 2024, we held an event called Cows & Coffee. On the night we had over 50 trade stands from all our club sponsors. From breeding to nutrition to the latest in farm technology, we had everything covered on the night. We also had a great guest speaker David Irwin of Redhouse Holsteins. He gave an indept presentation of his herd and herd management. It was very interesting to hear of his herd performance and his breeding policies to breed high index cows.

KERRY

The club would like to thank all its sponsors for all its help and to all our members and their families who make all our events a huge success with their support.

LAOIS OFFALY

Dinner Dance

Our annual Dinner Dance took place in Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore, Co. Offaly on the 10th of November 2023. A great crowd of 110 people gathered on the night to enjoy music, food and prizes. A big thank you to our judges Dessie Dunlevy and Ivor Bryan for doing a great job.

Herds Competition Results

Premier 1st Kevin Flynn 2nd Peter Ging 3rd Tadgh Sweeney

Senior 1st Gareth O’Brien 2nd Trevor Bennett 3rd Andy Fleming

Intermediate 1st Gurteen College 2nd Michael Harte 3rd Tommy & Clive Keena

Junior 1st Ernest & Stanley Seale 2nd James Ward 3rd Declan Madden

New Entrant 1st Niall Donaghy 2nd Graham Harding 3rd Declan Madden

EBI Awards

New Entrant Peter & Donal Grogan

Junior Paul Ryan

Intermediate Paul Delaney

Senior Joint Winners John Gill, Trevor & David Bennett

Premier O, M & W Neville

Judges Choice Awards

Junior Section James Ward

Premier Section Peter Ging

Stock Judging Top 10 1st Ann Marie Ging 2nd Peter Ging

3rd Richard Hamilton

Quality Milk 1st Louise Young 2nd Joint Winners Pat Fitzpatrick. O, M,&W Neville

LAOIS OFFALY

President Award

Presented to Richard Hamilton as President of IHFA In appreciation for all his hardwork & dedication from all at LOFBC.

YMA Trip

A Night for YMA took place 6th January 2024 18 members went Bowling great fun was had by all Young & old afterwards we went fine dining to SuperMacs and thanks to Orla Cleary for providing a birthday cake for her birthday we had a few great hours of fun & laughter, thanks to all for making the effort for our young members.

AGM

AGM to place 18th January 2024 Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise Guest Speaker on the night was Professor Alan Fahy UCD, many thanks to Volac for Sponsorship on the Night.

New Club Officer Notification

LIMERICK CLARE

Club Trip

Limerick and Clare Friesian Breeders club took a trip in December which consisted of taking a tour of Croke Park. During the trip we got the opportunity to visit the museum, we got a detailed description of how the pitch is maintained and an overall tour of the stadium. From Croke Park we then continued our trip to Lisburn where we stayed for the night, the following morning we were up bright and early and headed to the Dairy Winter Fair in Balmoral. This was a spectacular show where we were made most welcome by all exhibiting at the show. Congratulations to all exhibitors on a fantastic show. Congratulations to the Jones Family on being crowned champion of the show. This was a trip that was enjoyed by all.

LIMERICK CLARE

New Club Officer Notification

Our club AGM was held in January where election of officers took place as follows:

Denis Carroll President Michael Laffan Chairperson Michael McNamara Vice Chairperson David Bourke Secretary Treasurer John Curtin Rachel McNamara PRO

Ted Boyce - RIP

The Limerick and Clare Freisian Breeders and YMA club would like to extend their sincere sympathy to the Boyce Family on the passing of Ted Boyce on the 6th December 2023. Ted was a very active and successful member down through the years. Ted held many positions for the Limerick and Clare Friesian breeders club including Chairperson, Vice President and President. Ted was always an active member on the committee and was always a great man to give advice at all meetings. Ted gave huge support to the club and was always there to lend a hand in all the events. Ted was always a great person to organise sponsorship for the club when needed. Ted was no stranger to the show ring and he would always have a number of animals entered in all shows. Ted always had a smile on his face and always had a great story to tell. Ted was well known to all age groups and everyone looked up to him. If ever you were having a bad day in the show ring you can be sure one 5 minutes talking to Ted would always lift your spirts again. Ted will be dearly missed by us all in the club. Rest in Peace.

2023

Our club featured very well last year with: Pat Murray, James Kelly, Colin Walsh, Michael McDonnell, Thomas Daly, Norris Beattie & Leo Collins with top Solids Production cows; Patrick Pentony as a Focus Herd; Marguerite Flanagan & Norris Beattie in the top Open Day Judging; Paul Flanagan on the Awards Shortlist; Niamh Crinion as Novice B handler; Colin Walsh (1st Place), James Kelly & Paul Flanagan in the top Classified herds.

AGM

Happy Spring. Our Club has gotten off to a great start. After a Committee meeting to make arrangements: our AGM was held in The Snail Box restaurant, near Ashbourne, on 30th January. We have 17 Committee members; with officers: Gerry Brennan – President; Tom Kelly – Chair; Norris Beattie – Treasurer; Sean Dooley – Secretary. Thanks were expressed to Rita Eivers & Brendan Clarke former Chair & President respectively, for their committent & enthusiasm; they remain on the committee. Brendan Caffrey & Shane Corbally retired after many years of service. We are graced with two young members, John Halton & Aisling Floyd, who bring loads of farming experience, agricultural education, untold enthusiasm and very good social media communication skills which will appeal to our YMA membership.

NORTH EASTERN

NORTH EASTERN

Under Tom Kelly’s expert leadership our various subcommittees hope to have an exciting year by increasing membership; developing our Herds Competition, Field Evenings, Club Trip & Calf Show; introducing a local judging school for our young & older members; and having a prizegiving evening in November. We also look forward to entering herds & judges to the IHFA Open Day; and calves & handlers to the National YMA finals.

Dr Debbie McConnell, Principal Group Scientist at AI Services (NI) & Eurogenes, was guest speaker at our AGM. Having grown up on her family’s dairy farm & working there most weekends, Debbie was well able to engage & hold attention. These are some of the points we remember.

Farmers in Ireland face many issues including Nitrogen Banding & Derogation as figures move from 250 to 220. So what can farmers do?

Farmers might consider Contract Rearing off-farm or Exporting Slurry?

As Farmers grow grasses that need less Nitrogen; and as we become aware of greater grass growth on the shoulders of the year: less Dry Matter is grown per year which will therefore support less cows.

Farmers might reduce stock numbers but improve performance per cow. More indoor feed-space & lying space improves Dry Matter Intake & increase

production in calved heifers. Ensure more feedspace per cow at pasture also - use 36 hour paddocks – to improve better Dry Matter Intake in calved heifers. These measures improve fertility & response to Sexed Semen. Each animal must pay its way.

Monitor Body Condition to improve fertility. Milk yield peaks @ 60 days; BUT Dry Matter Intake peaks @ 100 days. This leads to an Energy Challenge up to 100 days-in-milk. If Body Condition Score falls too much then fertility will reduce. This is especially important with using Sexed semen. Dry Matter Intake of grass decreases in wet conditions: a 3% fall in Dry Matter leads to 1Kg reduction in Dry Matter Intake.

A fresh cow requies an overall ration of 15% protein. Grass can be 25% - 30% protein. Using a high DMD concentrate like Sugar Beet can help bacteria absorb more of this grass protein. Even 1Kg has a response.

Also we may breed for % milk solids; (65% heritabile). Higher milk percentages requires more energy intake to produce these solids.

Increased use of sexed semen & genomic testing of females can lead to an increase of €57 per cow per year. Genomic Testing now allows us to breed for percentages, Health Data, TB resistance & Feed Efficency. This information has improved & will continue to improve as more data is collected on farms; and fed into calculating ever more reliable Genomic figures.

De Broekhof Tolean

Daughter: Groot Bromhaar Irene 148

AIDING SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION INTO PRODUCTIVE LACTATION

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BREFFNI ORIEL

Field to Foto Competition

Well done to all members who took part in the Field to Foto competition in Gurteen College.Congratulations to Hannah Greenan who placed 1st in the clipping competition along with 2nd place overall with her team.Well done to Zoe Greenan and Sarah Lyster who placed 3rd overall with their team.

Achievements

Congratulations to Rachel Corley who took part in the Open Junior Show in Italy. Rachel placed 7th overall along with 4th in her handling and 3rd in the stock judging competition.Great Achievement!

Well done to our very own Aoife Prunty who was selected on the Ulster Rugby U18 team.We wish her the very best in the upcoming year.

Congratulations to Catherine Grier for competing in the Deaf Futsal World Cup in Brazil.They placed 5th overall in the World.Well Done Catherine!

Royal Ulster Winter Fair

Congratulations to all members who participated at the Royal Ulster Winter Fair.

All Ireland Awards 2023

Huge congratulations to Greenlea Holsteins who received Honorable Mention with Greenlea Doc Tokyo ET, Brian Corley who received Champion with Cornboro Denver Ada and to Roy Cromie who received Honorable Mention with Dalevalley Maze Apple Red. Fantastic Achievement!

Emerald Expo

Our first event on the YMA calendar for 2024 is Emerald Expo which will take place on the 27th April at Virginia Show Grounds in County Cavan. We hope to see you all there, for our first show of the year.

YMA Clothing

Anyone that would like to buy YMA branded clothing you can purchase them on the Farm Wardrobe website under Breffni Oriel YMA.

Social Media

Keep an eye out on our Facebook and Instagram page – Breffni Oriel YMA for all updates on events,workshops and meetings. Any new members are always welcome so feel free to contact the page or any committee member for further details!

Aoife Prunty (Left) with her teammates from Co.Monaghan.

Hannah Greenan 1st place in Clipping Competition

Rachel Corley competing at the Open Junior Show in Italy

Sarah Lyster and Zoe Greenan 3rd place Overall Team.

AGM

Our Cork YMA AGM was held on Friday the 9th of February, in the Munster Agricultural Office. It was great to have a good turnout of many young enthusiastic members. As our chairperson Stephen Shannon, Secretary Sinead O’Sullivan, and Treasurer Darragh Sheehy are all staying on for a second year. It was decided to introduce some new assistant roles, building their experience and knowledge for the years ahead.

Assistant Secretary Sarah Shannon

Assistant Treasurer Becky Hynes

Assistant PRO Georgie Hynes and Josephine Kelleher

Our new club president this year is Christy McCarthy

New senior club rep is Darragh Sheehy

Club person of the year was a split tie taken by Sarah Shannon and Kate Lehane.

Showmanship League Finals

The YMA showmanship league finals took place at the National Dairy Show which took place on the 13th of October. Congratulations to all participants and to Georgia Hynes placing second and Andrea Deane placing third in the junior handler, Becky Hynes placing first and Sarah Shannon placing third in the intermediate class.

Travel Abroad

CORK

Cork members were well represented on the international scene. Congratulations to Sinead O’Sullivan, Conor Lehane and Sarah Shannon on their travels to the HYB rally. And to Kate Lehane who competed over at the EYBS everyone of you did both Cork YMA and yourselves proud.

Upcoming Events

This year’s Cork YMA field evening is to be held on the farm of David O’Sullivan of the Knockbrown herd. This event is to be held in June this year with a date to be decided. All are welcome to attend.

Our calf show is set to be held in the Greybrook equestrian centre, Kilbrittain again this year on Monday the 1st of July.

Keep and eye out on our socials for updates on both events!

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