IHFA Summer Journal 2024

Summer Journal 2024

EDITOR: Laura Helen

CONTRIBUTORS:

Ciara O’Mahony

Dr. Patrick Kelly

Donal Carey

Cover Image:

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

New Master Breeder Award

In this edition you will read about our new Master Breeder Award. This is a fantastic new addition for IHFA. It rewards herds achieving outstanding performance across a number of metrics. Herds reaching the top are from different production systems and cow types but achieve excellence in a number of areas without major weaknesses. This award reenforces the diversity of production systems and genetics in our breed.

More Firsts

This spring we had some other notable firsts for IHFA. We added a milking heifer sale alongside the bull sale. Despite a very challenging spring and a dip in demand for milking stock due to weather, this sale went very well. There was once again excellent demand for the bulls on offer. We also added an online, elite sale to Emerald Expo. This was also a good success and it was great to see a good entry of milking stock, deep pedigree calves, pure Friesians and embryos. The sale attracted interest from Northern

Ireland, The UK and the continent. It is encouraging to see the demand for quality dairy cattle recover strongly as the poor weather recedes. Indeed we are seeing increasing export demand for pedigree stock which gives confidence this breeding season.

As we look forward to the summer program I’m delighted that we have fantastic host farms for our National Open Day and Pure Friesian Open Day. These promise to be excellent events. We will also have two Focus Farm open days later in the summer and you will read more about our focus farms in this issue.

The YMA have been busy over the spring, hosting workshops and planning for the summer shows and events. This promises to be an exciting year for YMA as attendance and participation has be growing so I’m keen to see what the summer holds.

Sincerely

Laurence Feeney Chief Executive

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Summer/Autumn 2024

Pure Friesian Open Day - 27th June

IHFA Open Day - 10th July

YMA National Calf Show - 23rd - 24th July

Focus Farm Open Days - Aug/Sept - TBC

National Dairy Show - 11th - 12th October

Barrowvale British Friesians

Barrowvale JINGLE 9 FR8887 (Dovea)

Barrowvale GOOGLE 8 FR8896 (Dovea)

Barrowvale GOOGLE 3 FR7695 (Eurogene)

Barrowvale EXCALIBUR FR9940 (Progressive Genetics)

Barrowvale DEADLY FR9947 (Progressive Genetics)

STOCK BULLS & EMBRYOS AVAILABLE

Dams and Grand Dams yields to 10,900kgs, Butterfat to 5.50%, Protein to 4.44%, Solids to 828kgs - EBIs to €269

OLIVER DEMPSEY - 086 8219430 - BALLYBRITTAS, CO LAOIS

WE’RE GONNA NEED A BIGGER TRUCK!

SHE’S HAD HER

Administered after calving to stimulate appetite and get the cow up and eating

Supports muscle contraction, metabolism and milk production

Essential Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium and Energy required by all transitioning cows and heifers

Fast-release for the reduction of the risk of milk fever and subclinical hypocalcaemia

Changes to Male Registration 2024

The Board of IHFA approved a change to the rule for male registration.

From 1st Feb 2024 males MUST be SIRE & DAM VERIFIED – for breeders participating in the National Genotyping programme (NGP) and have sent back all 2024 samples, the 2024 male animal will be genotyped and the cost of registration will be €40 once sire and dam are verified.

For breeders not participating in NGP the cost of registration will be €40 plus €24 to genotype the calf plus €24 to genotype the dam (if she is not already genotyped)

There is an exception to this rule for this year if the male was born before 2024 and the dam is dead but only for this year. There will be no exception to the rule in 2025. This change is necessary to maintain the highest standards possible for the herdbook. All NGP herds are able to achieve this standard to its essential that all pedigree bulls are at this standard.

NEW IHFA Member Services

Timing of 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.

SHOW CALENDAR 2024

Belgooly Show, Co. Cork 1st June

Armagh Show, Co. Armagh 8th June

Clonakilty Show, Co. Cork 9th June

Cork Summer Show, Co. Cork 15th - 16th June

Gorey Agricultural Show 15th June

Corrandulla Show, Co. Galway 23rd June

Charleville Show, Co. Cork 29th - 30th June

Longford Show, Co. Longford 7th July

Clonmel Show, Co. Tipperary 7th July

Dunmanway Show, Co. Cork 7th July

Barryroe Show, Co. Cork 13th July

Carbery Show, Co.Cork 18th July

Inishowen Show, Co. Donegal 20th July

Arva Agricultural Show, Co. Cavan 28th July

The Ossory Show, Co. Laois 28th July

Castleblayney Show, Co. Monaghan 5th Aug

Tinahely Show, Co. Wicklow 5th Aug

Tullamore Show, Co. Offaly 11th Aug

Ballinamore Show, Co Leitrim 13th Aug

Tydavnet Show, Co. Monaghan 17th Aug

Bantry Show, Co. Cork 18th Aug

Mohill Show, Co Leitrim 18th Aug

Tullow Show, Co Carlow 18th Aug

Virginia Show, Co. Cavan 21st Aug

Ballygarvan Show, Co. Cork 24th Aug

Iverk Show (Pilltown), Co. Kilkenny 24th Aug

Limerick Show, Co Limerick 25th Aug

Clonaslee Show, Co Laois 8th Sept

Flavours of Fingal 2024 t June 29th - 30th

Pattons Cup Holstein Dairy Cow

Competition: Sunday 30th June

Prize € 2500

Entries: www.flavoursoffingal.ie

Rory Mc Culloch: 0862841196

Jim Scully: 0879938144

FARM

HOSTS OF THE IHFA NATIONAL OPEN

IHFA National Open Day 2024 to be hosted by the Doran family, DONDALE herd, Donadea, Co. Kildare on Wednesday July 10th.

Joe, Bernie & Kevin Doran and family are the proud hosts of the IHFA National Open Day 2024. Their Dondale herd of 160 Pedigree Registered Holstein Friesian cows is a top-quality, award-winning herd. Last year the herd placed 2nd in the IHFA National Herds Competition, large herd category which is further noteworthy given the fact that it was the first time to participate in the prestigious National competition.

Joe and wife Bernie farm in partnership with their son Kevin. From a farming background in County Clare, Bernie previously worked for the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine. Daughters Marie and Roisín who are both teachers are also a big part of the farm and help out at every opportunity. The Doran family farm in Avondale, Donadea, Naas is located close to Clane, Maynooth and Naas within a short distance of the M7 and M4 motorway network routes.

Joe established the herd in 1964. when he registered the Dondale prefix. The herd was Graded Up to Pedigree status in 1991 from the bedrock of home-bred cow families. The success of cow families in quality breeding generation after generation facilitated expansion from within over the years. Home bred families include Emblem, Ruth, Elsa, Helen, Judy, Bonny, Emma among others. In recent years high merit youngstock from select international families have been acquired in order to add further layers to the genetic profile of the herd.

Top quality milk is produced year-round. Last year the herd yielded 9,652 kgs milk, 702 kgs milk solids per cow. The herd calving pattern is 30% Winter, 70 % Spring. The most recent herd Classification inspection (February) resulted in 91 % of animals inspected scoring GP or higher. Currently there are 28 cows of 5th lactation and older in the herd as an indicator of positive longevity.

Dondale S1579 Bonny EX93 3E

• 7th lactation

• She has averaged 11,152 kgs milk, 809 kgs milk solids per lactation to date with components to 4.05 % Fat, 3.63 % Protein.

Dondale Aida ET EX92

• 5th lactation

• 11,719 kgs milk, 842 kgs milk solids per lactation to date

• 11th generation VG/EX

Dondale Apoll Aiko ET EX

• 11th gen VG/EX

• 5th lactation projected yield 10,062 kgs milk, 818 kgs milk solids, 4.54 % Fat, 3.60 % Protein

Dondale S1163 Emblem VG88

• 6th lactation

• 11,066 kgs milk, 894 kgs milk solids, 4.46% Fat, 3.62 % Protein in her fourth lactation (342 d).

Dondale McLean Emblem EX91 2E

• Lifetime yield in five lactations to date 52,721 kgs milk, 4,493 kgs milk solids, 4.76 % Fat, 3.76 % Protein

• 2nd lactation yield 9,515 kgs milk, 812 kgs milk solids, 4.67 % Fat, 3.87 % Protein, SCC 22 (331 d)

Dondale Acme Beverly ET EX

• 70,170 kgs milk, 5,0178 kgs milk solids in five lactations to date

• 12th generation VG/EX, Belgrove Attra Robin ET EX family

Genetic Progress

In 2014 the herd was averaging 8,912 litres at 593kgs Solids. In a bid to maximise the genetics used on farm, Dondale joined WMS, the WWS mating pro-

gramme in 2015 and they have not looked back since. Fast forward to 2020 the herd averaged 10,203 litres at 739kgs Solids. Since then, Kevin and Joe have purchased land and increased in cow numbers (from 115 to 160), the influx in heifer numbers saw production dip slightly, however projections for 2024 estimate a very pleasing 9,844 litres at 726kgs Solids.

Kevin commends WMS for taking the work out of sire selection, he no longer has to study each individual mating. WMS combines genetic trait profiling and linear scoring to optimise each mating decision. A key benefit of the programme for the Dondale herd was its elimination of inbreeding and its consideration of unwanted genetic recessives and Haplotypes.

When selecting genetics for the herd, focus is put on positive Strength, Teat Length, Kgs Milk Solids and both Foot & Leg and Udder Composite. Kevin praises bulls Roylane Boxer Punch, Siemers Real Seal and Scientific Doppler (daughters pictured below) from WWS for leaving a lasting impact in the herd both conformationally and in the milk tank. Bulls currently in the AI tank are Logistics, Pazzle, Crown Red, Rager Red, Reeve Red, Cirrus P, Luster P, High Oohm, Praser, Yamaska, Robin Red and Rubicon.

Herd Monitoring

From bulling heifers to the milking cows, the herd is monitored 24/7 by CowManager. Utilising heat state information provided by the system; Kevin has been able to increase his use of sexed semen across the herd with much success. All maidens are served to sexed and the top 60-70% of cows, with the remainder served to beef. Improving the timing of insemination has increased conception rates across the herd, meaning culling decisions are now much tougher, meaning the Doran’s are now able to be more selective. Both Joe and Kevin are pleased to no longer include heat detection as part of their day to day, with CowManager taking care of that.

Not only has herd fertility improved since instal-

lation, but antibiotic use has reduced across the herd. CowManager’s health module detects illness long before a cow would show any clinical signs. Kevin praises the system for its early detection, allowing him to intervene with non-antibiotic treatments quickly and more affectively.

Kevin measures grass on a regular basis and reseeding of pastures is carried out as necessary. The winter diet for the milking herd is a TMR of grass silage, maize silage, beet, coarse ration and straw. A complimentary dairy nut is fed in the parlour.

The Doran family are strong supporters of the Kildare club and actively participate in all club events. Joseph served terms as Chairman and President and was also previously the club representative on the IHFA Board. Kevin is currently Club vice Chairman. Roisín previously served as Club Secretary and as the Club representative on the YMA National committee. Bernie and Marie frequently help out with stock judging cards at club field evenings. In 2015 Joe was presented with the YMA Hall of Fame award in recognition of his lifetime helpful assistance to the Young Members.

Herd Progression and Development

The farm was purchased by Joe’s father in 1964 and Joe commenced his farming career aged fourteen. Dairy cows were always milked on the farm and quality Black & White genetics has been the mainstay. Participation in club events such as the herds competition (club) has been a catalyst for the progression of the herd. Having previously competed in the Junior category in the early years it has been a whirlwind success to progress on to ultimate success winning 1st place overall and success in the IHFA National herds competition 2023. Cow numbers increased over the year from 100 cows up to 160 cows and a neighbouring farm was purchased in recent years.

The Doran family wish to extend a warm welcome to all visitors the open day on Wednesday July 10th

Kildare Holstein Friesian Breeders Club

COWMANAGER MONITORING THE DONDALE HERD

CARRICKSHOCK

Thursday 27th June

Pat and Claire Cleary welcome everyone to the Pure Friesian Club’s Open Day 2024 at the Carrickshock Herd in Hugginstown, Co. Kilkenny, on Thursday 27th June.

Pat, a third-generation farmer, upgraded the farm to pedigree status in 2002. Since then, the herd has been milk recorded, with the majority bred from AI bulls and carefully selected stock bulls. The herd consists of 206 pedigree pure Friesian milking cows, with all progeny registered annually. Approximately 40 pedigree bull calves are kept each year to be sold the following year as breeding bulls, while the rest are sold as fattened bull beef. All heifer calves are retained for herd replacements, with surplus heifers sold as in-calf heifers later on.

The farm focuses on breeding high-quality pure Friesians, showcasing sustainability, fertility, and exceptional dairying traits. The aim is to balance productivity and versatility, honoring the generations before while adapting to modern agricultural demands. The Clearys strive for a balanced, dual-purpose animal, valuable to both dairy and beef farmers. They focus on breeding for dairyness combined with a “square” type animal, supported by genomic figures and EBI. This approach has proven successful, from the show ring to the pedigree bulls and heifers sought by repeat customers. Their goal is to maintain a profitable family business while ensuring a satisfying daily working life.

Bulls at Stud

Pat and Claire are extremely proud to have had several bulls purchased by AI companies in Ireland and the UK. Carrickshock GTW

(FR6667) has been their most notable bull in recent years, he stood at Genus ABS in the UK. In 2021 GTW topped the UK PLI daughterproven rankings as a debut sire. A year later, in 2022, with numerous recorded daughters he retained the number one spot with a PLI of £410, topping the list of all the friesian sires in AI.

Show Ring Success

In recent years the Carrickshock herd have had much success in the show ring and the Cleary’s talk proudly and fondly of these times.

Blackisle Mabel EX94

• Tullamore Senior Cow Class Winner

• Emerald expo winner, Cillin Hill

• Emerald Expo winner, Punchestown

• Reserve Champion Senior Cow Class, Iverk

1181: Carrickshock Dale 1 EX92 1st Senior Cow Class Iverk

636: Carrickshock Daisy 636 EX90 Reserve Champion Tullamore

2321: Carrickshock Chad 2321 EX91 1st Senior Cow Class Iverk

2107: Carrickshock Aine 2107 VG85 (as a heifer) 1st Heifer class Iverk

2874: Carrickshock Dale 2874 VG87 (2nd lactation) 1st heifer class Iverk

1978: Carrickshock Cissy EX91 Reserve Champion in Iverk Senior Cow Class

2944: Churchclara Dan Circus VG85 (as a heifer) Reserve champion Heifer Class Iverk

2603: Carrickshock Erin 2603 VG89 (3rd lactation) Reserve champion Heifer Class Iverk

Award Winning Herd

Pat and Claire Cleary have received numerous accolades for production awards from the IHFA. Their herd competes in the Carlow Kilkenny Friesian Breeders Herds Competition, having won the Novice, Junior, and Intermediate Sections, and now competes in the highly competitive Senior section. They have also won the Judges Choice Award on two occasions, an achievement they hold in high regard.

In terms of milk quality, the Cleary’s herd has featured in the CellCheck awards top 100 for the past ten years. They take great pride in their animals’ ability to produce high milk yield with excellent butterfat and protein content, all while maintaining high quality standards.

The herd is classified annually through the IHFA and they also use the Weeks Analysis (aAa) method. Both methods are passionately embraced by the Clearys as they provide valuable insights into the best traits to seek in their

animals. With the AAA method, they strive for a balanced animal with a well-formed udder, strong legs and feet, good body condition, and structural soundness, indicative of health, productivity, and longevity. They utilize all available resources to create the best quality animals possible.

Overall, the Pure Friesian is appreciated for its balance of milk and meat production, adaptability, and ease of management, making it a valuable breed for diverse farming operations. The Clearys are a proud Friesian family, dedicated both in their yard and in their home, and hope to continue this legacy for generations to come.

Outstanding Components (+0.32% F & +0.25% P) EX90 Dam Produced 8,059kg Milk at 4.59% Fat & 3.77% Protein Average in 7 Lactations

CLOCHRUA MESSI

Kilsunny Friesians

IHFA MASTER BREEDERS 2023

KILSUNNY RUBY 104 EX93 3E

Classified EX93 udder on her 8th lactation

9605 litres at 4.20% fat, 3.79% protein & 768 kgs

milk solids in 305 days

Dam of Kilsunny Website – 3rd highest priced bull at Kilkenny March 2024 and sold for €3000

KILSUNNY JUDY 160 EX91 5E

Photographed on her 10th lactation, due her 11th this Autumn

Averaging 3.76% protein over 10 lactations

Dam of Kilsunny Herbert 4 – top priced bull at Kilkenny March 2024 and sold for €3300

KILSUNNY RUBY 119 EX90 2E

Photographed on her 7th lactation after calving twin AI bred heifer calves

Averaging 3.93% protein over 6 completed lactations

Dam of Kilsunny Herbert 2 (FR8070) – semen available from Dovea Genetics

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

IHFA FOCUS FARMS 2024

We plan to visit all 6 Focus Farms throughout the year. So far, we have been welcomed into the Toberfort and Copperbeech herds, prior to the Spring Journal, and more recently the Ballygown and Barrowvale Herds. Stay tuned as we unveil detailed profiles of our Focus Farms in our journals and across our social media platforms throughout the year.

Edward Fitzgerald, Toberfort Herd - Effin, Co. Limerick

With calving wrapped up on the 12th May, Edward comments that he has never had as good a season. 105 calved down with 15 already sold to a repeat buyer. Over 90% of the herd calved between January and March. Particularly pleasing were the AOT Silver Helix (WWS) heifers that have just calved in, so much so Edward is using him again this year. Much like the rest of the country Edward’s turnout was the latest it’s ever been. Cows were out by day from the 22nd April and by night 28th April, with buffer feeding only ceasing on 23th May. Edward isn’t certain that buffer feeding has completely stopped for the summer and will continue if necessary.

Grazing has been tough on the ground at Tobernea, the herd are on their second rotation, with Edward commenting that grass quality is on the poorer side. With that said, first cut silage was taken on the 19th April, due to cows being in early last autumn, grass was strong at that time. Second cut is imminent when weather allows. Breeding is going well for the Toberfort herd, although Edward admits he

had hoped to see a slight improvement due to their consistent plane of nutrition prior to breeding, due to cows still being housed. 5 weeks of AI is utilised followed by a Limousin stock bull to sweep up. This year Edward had 4 Longhorn calves that he was really pleased with. The calves were sold as part of the Buitelaar Longhorn Scheme, which he credits as being extremely easy and a reliable outlet for his calves. A real benefit of the Buitelaar scheme is the set price contract, if calves meet buyer specifications.

Joe Healy, Copperbeech Herd - Athboy, Co.Meath

At Copperbeech, calving commenced on 14th of January and finished up on the 27th April. 101 calves were born in the season including 4 sets of twins. Nearly 90% of the herd calved down between January and March. Joe is very impressed with his Westcoast Yamaska (PG) heifers that have calved in, they have an exciting future ahead of them. The herd are currently out at grass by day, but have been on and off grazing since early February.

Sponsored

Joe says that grazing has been understandably difficult but the herd are currently onto their 3rd rotation despite earlier ground damage. In the last couple of weeks have cows really started to settle into grazing and buffer feeding is finishing up. Pit silage was cut on the 9th May, in good conditions, Joe commented that although light, he is pleased by the quality. Fertiliser is spread ready for second cut and its hoped that the volume required will be made in this cut.

Breeding started on the 8th April, using Holstein Friesian AI sires for 24 days on only the best cows and all bar a couple of heifers. 11 weeks of AI in total will be utilised with beef AI taking over after the 24 days and two Angus stock bulls will finish up so that the family can enjoy a much needed break away. The bull team this year comprised of Tankardstown Teak, Westcoast RocknRoll, K+L LZ Conan, Glenaboy Hero, Cloughrua Messi, SandyValley McGraw and Pinetree Conway Connor. By the time this Journal is printed Joe will have had his much anticipated first visit from the Classifier. Copperbeech have been asked by The North Eastern Holstein Friesian Breeders Club to host one of the summer Field Evenings on the 14th of June. Joe and family are looking forward to welcoming the club to the farm.

This summer, the young members of the Healy family (Joe’s 3 children and 2 nephews and niece) are preparing for the much anticipated club calf show. The children have each picked their own calves from the Copperbeech herd and will start halter training shortly. Joe comments that there is fierce competition between the six of them.

Oliver Dempsey, Barrowvale HerdBallybrittas,

Co.Laois

On the 14th May we were welcomed up to Barrowvale by Oliver for a herd visit. A brilliant day to learn of the humble beginnings of the herd and the cow families at the heart of it. Oliver credits his father in recognising a niche in the market with the Friesian breed, although in the early days Oliver was experimenting with Holstein, he soon returned to Friesian breeding when he saw the value of their bull calves. The Dheaty and Sabrina families are prominent throughout the herd, with several bulls in AI currently. The Dheaty family has been in the herd since Grade-up in the eighties, with over 100 females registered, which is no mean feat for a 30 cow herd.

When visiting herds we like to ask ‘What is your favourite cow in the herd?’, every time the answer is different. Oliver states that he has many favourites, including the oldest cow in the herd, Barrowvale Dobee 48, who is currently milking in her 11th lactation. The question was hard for Oliver to answer, as he

said there are always animals in the herd that have the potential to surprise you, that’s what he finds so satisfying about pedigree breeding.

The herd has been out grazing since mid-February, but Oliver admits they have spent a lot of time in since then to save paddock damage. Breeding Bull sales are lower so far this year, and Oliver believes the increased use of sexed semen may be a contributing factor.

Calving went well for Oliver this season, although he admits his heifers may have been too well fed and there was some needing assistance. Oliver always aims to have the whole herd calved by the end of March.

At the time of our visit, Oliver had just finalised his bull team for the breeding season including some of his own bulls at stud and young bulls on test. Predominately focused on Milk and Solids, the bull team comprises of: Raheenarran Mr Potter, Firoda Jubilaris 11, Firoda Randy 7, Dovea Landvogt, Lismulligan Excalibur, Barrowvale Google 3, Barrowvale Google 8, Barrowvale Excalibur and Barrowvale Deadly. All AI straws are conventional, no sexed semen is used on the herd.

The SenseHub Tags and Collars are utilised across the herd, Oliver says that he completely relies on them for heat detection. Breeding the bulling heifers this year has been slightly delayed as they are slightly lighter than Oliver would like, after wintering them on Rape.

Olivers plans for the summer include expanding slurry storage, although planning permission has been an uphill battle!

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

James and Aine have been extremely honest in saying that the farm is proving challenging at the moment with the persistent rain. Keeping good grass in front of the cows has been difficult. Overall, calving went well, but most of the heifers needed assistance with the Angus calves. Calving began on January 9th and concluded on May 18th, with a total of 118 calves born. The Augustus P Red, Ballyelly Chilli, Sandy Valley J. Pharo, and Renegade Parfect calves were particularly impressive this year. Grazing started by day on April 18th and extended to both day and night by April 20th. However, grazing has been exceptionally difficult due to either overgrown grass, lack of growth, or poor ground conditions. No silage has been made yet, as of May 22nd. Breeding commenced on April 24th using AI and will finish on May 15th. AI bulls include Starmaker, Diego, Cirrus P, McGraw, Pazzle, and F510 Nerewater Quaich Jack (pure Friesian) . AI is generally used on cows from the second lactation onwards, with the aim of producing larger Friesian heifer calves. The breeding plan involves three weeks of AI followed by two Angus stock bulls to cover the remaining cows.

James and Aine’s summer plans include making enough silage to ensure a surplus reserve and starting shed construction, once TAMs approval is received. There is also hope that the children, JJ and Mary, might show a calf this year.

Seamus Knox, Ballygown Herd - Piltown, Co.Kilkenny

Our second herd visit since the Spring Journal was up to Ballygown, arriving into the field we were surrounded by the curious herd. The farm overlooks Kildalton College, with views of the Comeragh and Galtee mountain ranges in the distance.

From the outset when viewing the herd, its uni-

formity and youthfulness is evident. Seamus has increased numbers over the past few years and said he now likes to keep the herd young as he finds there is less trouble in terms of lameness and fertility. Although Seamus asked his favourite cow, he picked out the oldest cow in the herd! Pictured below is the cow in question, Ballygown CWJ Mia 1EX91, she is fresh on her 11th Lactation at 12 years old.

Breeding a ‘not extreme’ cow is something that Seamus says suits his system. The farm is situated on the side of a hill, as a result heifers are calved around 22 months to keep them medium in stature.

Breeding is in full swing, with Seamus commenting that despite the bad spring submission rates have been good. He would be happy to have around 50% of the herd hold to first serve. Seamus uses all conventional semen, this season he will be trying to use up straws left in the tank. Pivotal, OTS and his homebred Ballygown Albert will be used again as he is very pleased how they have worked on the herd over the past few years. Holstein Friesian bulls will be used to sweep after AI, with no beef used at all. The Friesian bulls are bought in to expand the genetic diversity of the herd and reduce the risk of inbreeding.

When selecting both AI and Stock Bulls, Seamus

says his number 1 priority is Pedigree backed with proven cow families. He follows EBI looking for around +200 for Milk, 40/45kgs Solids and good percentages. Seamus says it’s not necessary for him to look at fertility, as that has improved greatly with EBI breeding in recent years. Proudly, Seamus states he has never seen a caesarean in his life and always looks for easy calving when selecting bulls.

Ian McKeague, Inishowen Herd - Culdaff, Co.Donegal

Starting off our update from Donegal with some exciting news. Ian has recently been commended with the Aurivo Lowest TBC Liquid Milk Herd award for 2023, and an IHFA Master Breeder Award, accolades he is delighted and honoured to receive.

The 2023/24 calving season for The Inishowen herd had a rocky start, with seven bull calves out of the first fourteen cows to calve to sexed semen, that coupled with four dead heifers, left 19 heifer calves from 30 cows in calf to sexed. Calving started the last week of November with the last cow calving at the end of April. Ian is particularly pleased with his Bomaz Episode calves on the ground, noting they are showing good strength and depth of body.

The cow pictured is a Praser daughter, Lisduff Mary 332, the only non home bred cow in the herd.

She was purchased online as an eight month old calf, is now a VG86 2nd calver with a 1st lactation of 8107kgs. milk, 4.34 fat and 3.48 protein. To date she has two daughters at Inishowen, one by Peak Altalawson and the second by Bomaz Episode.

Turnout has been tough going this Spring, a lot of stop/start, on/off grazing but grass has been growing well. The herd was out by day on March 8th and out by night on April 20th . First cut was done on the 7th May and Ian was very happy with bulk and quality, some paddocks that got ahead of the cows were taken out on the 22nd April totalling 35 bales.

Scanning is due to take place this week (27th May) with Ian suspecting results will not be a good as previous years, due to bad weather in March and April. AI has slowed up since the beginning of May. This year’s bull team comprises of Pine-Tree Organic, Sandy-Valley McGraw, 3Star Oh Marcello, Nortonhill R2D2, Lars-Acres George Miller and Bomaz Legacy Lafleur. Ideally Ian aims for 30 in calf to Sexed Holstein and beef on the rest of the herd. Beef AI bulls used are predominantly Limousin and Angus with a small amount of Charolais. A sweeper Angus stock bull is used.

As for summer plans at Innisowen, a new Heifer shed is currently under construction with the base of the tank having being poured. This should accommodate up to 40 heifers when completed.

Unlocking Genetic Potential Through The

National Genotyping Programme

Genetic gain, particularly in the context of lowering Ireland’s agricultural Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, is a key strategic goal of both industry and government, as set out in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) “Ag Climatise” strategic policy document of 2020.

Genotyping the entire national bovine herd is a gamechanger. It will not only underpin and accelerate the rate of genetic gain but also significantly contribute to lowering Ireland’s agricultural Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. By leveraging genomic information and technologies against the existing integrated national database in ICBF, we are increasing the accuracy of Ireland’s national breeding indexes (EBI, Beef-Eurostar, DBI) and providing further tools to improve the national breeding programme.

The National Genotyping Programme (NGP), a collaborative initiative between ICBF, DAFM, beef and dairy industry stakeholders and participating farmers, is the first step in achieving a fully genotyped national bovine herd in Ireland.

Over 10,000 herds applied to participate, including ~3,500 dairy herds and ~6,500 beef herds, accounting for over 650,000 cows in total.

With a solid foundation of over 3.5 million genotypes already in the ICBF database, collected directly by farmers and through previous genotyping initiatives, the first phase of NGP was a resounding success. Over 780,000 animals were genotyped in 2023, including each participant’s mature cow herd, breeding heifer replacements, and expected calf sires. The percentage of the National dairy herd genotyped increased from 6.5% to 35% as a result of phase 1 of the programme. This significant progress, achieved at no cost to the farmer, was made possible through E.U. funding under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve.

any errors in the recorded dam, sire and/or sex of each calf before its bovine passport is issued.

The second phase, which began in January 2024, saw participating herds submit genotype samples at birth for all calves born in the herd. By the end of April 2024, more than 563,000 calves had been genotyped and registered, accounting for 35% of all calves born and registered in the period. Over 237,000 of these were dairy x dairy calves.

Figure 1. % Errors prevented as a result of genotyping calves over Spring 2024. Figure 2. % of sires found as a result of genotyping where no sire had been recorded previously.

The average turnaround time from birth to passport being issued was 12 days. Samples spent on average 4.5 days in the lab. The peak in the Spring saw over 98,000 samples processed in a single week.

The results of each genotype sample are integrated into the national calf registration system through the DNA calf registration process. They are used to correct

Figure 3. Calf sample processing projected vs actual per week.

*M. Reist, T.D.E. Medjitna, U. Braun, K. Pfister, The Veterinary Record, September 28, 2002, p377-379

YMA Stock Judging and Reason Giving Workshop

We kicked off our 2024 season with a stock judging and reason giving workshop on the 6th of April on the farm of Aisling Neville in Moate Co. Westmeath. The day began with a talk from Aisling herself, informing everyone about both her career journey and the farm itself. How she got to where she is and her future aspects and goals for the farm.

We then got stuck into a few icebreakers to get everyone intro duced and comfortable speaking around one another. Getting into the main part of the day, Steve McLoughlin spoke to everyone giving some tips and advice that he feels are the most important aspects of both stock judging and reason giving. Moving through the day we split the large group of over forty young members into smaller groups, where they were taken by our group leaders to each judge different groups of cattle. Every young member got the opportunity to judge and give reasons throughout the day, where they all received feedback to help them learn and improve on their skills. Hearing from some of the members that day they say, “I didn’t know what to say about cows until now, I feel I can talk about them” and “ I never knew where to start speaking about cows before this”. Finishing off the day we heard from Deridre Toal from Progressive Genetics who proudly sponsored the event for us, Deirdre spoke on some of the main points of their signpost events touching on EBI benefits and genetics, looking at how to breed for a better future. We would like to thank Deirdre and Progressive Genetics for their kind sponsorship, without them these events would not be possible. We would also like to thank Aisling and her family for hosting the event and for a great day.

Stock Judging and Reason Giving Competition at Emerald Expo

The practice and training from our workshop day was put to the test at our stock judging and reason giving competition at Emerald Expo. Our young members were given the opportunity to judge the junior heifer in milk class. Each of these young members were then given the task to give their reasons on their placings to our reason giving judge Emer Curtin. The members were split into ages, under 12, under 16, and under 26. Congratulations to our winners on the day Cora Corriden in the under 12, Adam Torrens in the under 16 and Damien Burke in the under 26 categories. I would also like to thank our sponsor of the competition Farm Wardrobe again without your sponsorship these events would not be possible.

EMERALD EXPO 2024

THE

TRIPLE CROWN FOR HALLOW

Kicking off the 2024 show season, Emerald Expo, Ireland’s Spring all breeds dairy cattle show, returned to action on Saturday April 27th. Now in its 12th year at The Virginia Show Centre, Co. Cavan, the programme of events included six Championships, classes for YMA handlers, other dairy breeds, youngstock classes and in milk classes.

Richard Whelan, Emerald Expo Show Director, opened proceedings by welcoming all in attendance and he thanked all sponsors involved for their support. Title sponsor was FBD Insurance. Main sponsors were Tirlan, IHFA and the Department of Agriculture Food & the Marine. Richard welcomed all viewers watching the live streaming of the show. The livestream was cast across the globe by Drumlin Media. He thanked the cattle stewards and all those helping out on the day. He thanked the Emerald Expo organising committee and the Virginia Show Centre committee for the superb facility. Competitors travelled from far and wide to exhibit at Emerald Expo, from Clonakilty to Castlefin and everywhere in between. We were extremely pleased to welcome members of Holstein Northern Ireland to compete again this year.

YMA Classes

Our Judge, David Booth, from the Feizor herd in Yorkshire was welcomed into the ring to start proceedings with

the highly competitive Young Members Association (YMA) handling classes. YMA participants on the day ranged in age from 8 years old to 23, across 3 classes. The three handling classes kick-start the annual YMA Showmanship League competition with qualifying points on offer towards the final.

Champion handler went to Will Jones (Slaney Club) with Rachel Corley in Reserve and Sarah Williamson taking Honourable Mention (both from the Breffni Oriel Club).

Junior Championship

Calf classes were strong throughout, with the largest class of the day comprising of 10 entries in the Confined Youngstock class, confined to members of the Breffni Oriel, North Eastern, West Midlands and Donegal Clubs.

Taking top spot in the Junior Championship, Sponsored by FBD, was January yearling Hallow Sidekick Twizzle from Philip Jones. Reserve went to the July 2023 born Ellys KD Rhapsody exhibited by Steve & Maria McLoughlin with Greenlea Kalo Oceane 1793 an In Calf heifer from Padraic Greenan taking Honourable Mention.

Coloured Breed Championship

Junior Coloured Breed Champion, sponsored by TP O’ Reilly, was awarded to Rathard Choco Dream d Chalain (Jersey) exhibited by Peter & Paula Hynes, Co.Cork. Judge David Booth commented, ‘although entries forward for the coloured breed classes have been small, there has

been quality throughout’. Coloured Breed Champion went to the Jersey Heifer in Milk, Rathard Kasey exhibited by Peter & Paula Hynes with Euro Joel Prince in Reserve and Kingdom Barca Lisa both from Daniel & Emer Curtin, Co. Kerry. This championship was kindly sponsored by Cavan Co. Council.

YMA Stock Judging

The Heifer in Milk Class was evenly split by age into a Junior and Senior class. The YMA Stockjudging competition centred around the Junior Heifer in Milk with all YMA members invited to judge the class and summit their placings before Judge David Booth, lined up the class in his final placings. Kindly sponsored by The Farm Wardrobe, the competition saw 20 members compete across 3 age groups. Once placings were finalised members were invited to give their reasons to Reasons Judge, Emer Curtin from the Euro Herd, Co. Kerry.

1st Under 12: Cora Corridon (Kerry) 1st 12-16: Adam Torrens (NI) 1st 17-26: Damien Burke (Limerick/Clare)

Intermediate Championship

First and second places from both heifer in milk classes were invited into the ring once more for David Booth to judge the Intermediate Championship, Sponsored by Tirlan. Champion went to the first placed Junior Heifer, Slatabogie Doral All Rich Red from A&L Paul with the 1st placed Senior Heifer Lisnalty Balertwine from Paul Hannan in Reserve. Honorable Mention went to Senior Heifer Desmond Chief Pledge exhibited by Martin O’Sullivan. Slatabogie Doral All Rich Red was later crowned Red & White Champion, a new prize for 2024, sponsored by Norbrook.

A word from FBD Insurance

Liam Herlihy, FBD Chairman, addressed the crowds during a brief break in the judging. In his comments he wished all exhibitors every success on the day, and praised those who had travelled from afar. Liam said that continuing good relations and the fostering of a strong association with IHFA families is a strong ethos of FBD. He also commended not only those in attendance but farmers nationwide on keeping positive during a tough

spring, commenting that shows like Emerald Expo, are an essential to keep spirits high.

Emerald Expo Lifetime Achievement

A presentation was made on behalf of the Emerald Expo committee to IHFA member, David Boyd, in recognition of his lifetime commitment to the Holstein breed and his early work in getting the ‘Spring Show’ off the ground. David was Show Director of the very first Spring Show, which is now Emerald Expo.

His encouragement of YMA members, many successes with his Glaslough herd as well as judging achievements both nationally and internationally were detailed in a touching speech made on behalf of the committee by Deirdre Toal. David was presented with his “Favourite Photo”, a framed image of himself as master Judge at the 2013 European show in Fribourg, Switzerland tapping out his Supreme Champion “Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra”.

Best Group of Three Animals

With the ring at full capacity, 6 groups of three came forward to be judged. Judge Booth described the class as “a spectacle”.

Paul Hannan (Lisnalty Herd), from Crecora, Co Limerick, won the Best Group of Three Females Owned by Exhibitor class, sponsored by Tirlan. The winning group from Lisnalty were shown by Paul’s children, Jane, Claire and Bill, a proud moment for Paul and wife Eileen.

A special award was given by David Booth for “cuteness factor” to the Paul brothers, Cody (9), Jamie (8) and Dylan (8) who expertly presented their three red and white calves in the group of three class.

Robert, Sylvia, Jason and Laura Helen

Senior Championship

In front of a packed ringside, Judge David Booth welcomed all first and second prize winners from the milking Holstein classes forward. After a short parade, he selected his 6 to remain in the centre of the ring for his Senior Championship (Sponsored by FBD). Brim-full with quality, the final 6 included the following;

• Slatabogie Doral All Rich Red – Intermediate Champion – A&L Paul

• Eedy Alchemy Barbie –

• Lisnalty Inka Ideal 609 – 1st 4 Year Old – Paul Hannan

• Aliann Pepper Lila Z – 1st 5 Year Old – A&L Paul

• Evergreen Susie Mist 26 RC – 2nd 5 Year OldLiam & Sandra Murphy

• Hallow Solomon Twizzle 3 – 1st Mature Cow –Philip Jones

The judge took to the microphone for the penultimate time to thank the Emerald Expo committee and the exhibitors. He commented that “the quality in front of me has been outstanding and the animals are a real credit to the breeders that have shown here today”.

With a simultaneous applause from the crowd, Judge David Booth tapped out Hallow Solomon Twizzle 3 as Champion. In his comments the judge commended her as “A great mature cow, everything you want in the modern day breed”.

Tom Kelly was on hand to present exhibitor Philip Jones with the Seamus Kelly perpetual trophy, a memorial trophy reflecting excellence of Holstein Friesian breeding first presented at the North Eastern Spring Fair in 2006. Hallow Solomon Twizzle 3 also walked away with Best Udder of the show (Sponsored by TP O’Reilly) and Exhibitor Bred Champion (Sponsored by IHFA).

Reserve Champion went to Lisnalty Inka Ideal 609 exhibited by Paul Hannan with Aliann Pepper Lila Z from A&L Paul in Honourable Mention.

Hallow Holsteins took home, Champion Handler, Junior Champion and Senior Champion to Gorey, Co Wexford, a bumper haul for the Jones family!

Premier Breeder & Premier Exhibitor

Alan and Leanne Paul, Mahera, Northern Ireland, won the Emerald Expo Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor awards.

Laurence Feeney, IHFA CEO thanked all exhibitors in attendance and he congratulated all involved in the show.

He paid tribute to Show Director Richard Whelan and the Emerald Expo organising committee.

At the show finale Richard Whelan, Show Director, made individual presentations in thanks to Ann-Maree Manley, ring steward, Emcee, Deirdre Toal and to Mary Gaynor in recognition of their valuable work supporting the show.

IHFA National Hall of Fame Award Recipient 2024

Tommy Finlay

The Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) is delighted to nominate Tommy Finlay as the recipient of the National Hall of Fame award 2024. Tommy is known throughout the country from his stellar involvement as Dairy Chairman of the Tullamore National Livestock Show. However, his involvement in the Holstein Friesian breed encompasses a much wider spectrum including through his active participation as a pioneering breeder and his contribution to the Young Members (YMA) and at local club level as one of the founding members of the Laois Offaly club.

From Ballydaly in Tullamore, Co. Offaly Tommy started to farm the family farm aged eleven years old. In the early 1970’s he was selected as an ACOT demonstration farm in recognition of his pioneering farming practices. His farming career was shaped by a passion and a determination to drive forward in terms of quality and efficiency, adopting the best technologies and practises. His outlook was to remain constantly open to new ideas whilst maintaining an independence of thought. With his wife Ber they registered the Tarabella herd prefix and the cows were Graded Up with the Herdbook to Pedigree status. Milk recording and Classification scoring were adopted as data-based technologies to improve quality and efficiency. Tommy is one of the founding committee members of the Laois Offaly Friesian Breeders club when it was established on March 30th 1987. Over the years he thoroughly enjoyed the club stockjudging field evenings and distance was no object in bringing club team members to the IHFA National Open Days to participate in the Interclub Stockjudging Finals. The club remains one of the most vibrant IHFA clubs, continuing to prosper year after year. Tommy’s breeding philosophy could be described as “cows having a balance of strength and longevity with productivity and yields to pay the bills”. Embryo transfer and flushing was also utilised as a new technology to strengthen and improve herd quality and performance. Lactomont Paula Blackstar ET and Tarabella Edel 3 were among the favourite cows in the herd.

Tommy & Ber were blessed with a family of five daughters Martina, Paula, Carmel, Bernadette and Marie and everyone helped out on the farm. The family were actively involved in the Young Members (YMA), supporting all the club events. Tommy always had a team of halter trained calves to hand year after year, helping to ensure that the Young Members had consistantly strong representation. Tommy and close friend Richard Hamilton provided tremendous helpful assistance to YMA in the early years of the National Finals as the cattle stewards.

In 1991 Tommy was invited to assist as a committee member of the newly created Tullamore Show organising committee. He served with distinction as Chairman of the Dairy Section until his retirement in 2022 encompassing thirty-one years of dedicated service. Along with all committee members involved, Tommy had an input in helping the show to attain National Livestock Show title accreditation in 1995. In recognition of the loyal support received from the local Friesian breeder members, it is a credit to Tommy and to the show committee that the Confined dairy classes are an integral part of the Tullamore National Livestock Show annual programme of events. The popularity of the Young Members Showmanship League qualifier classes at the show is a fitting tribute to Tommy in recognition of his lifetime involvement and support of Young Members. He was one of the first to lend support to this new YMA competition when it was introduced. In recognition of his lifetime involvement Tommy has been presented with many distinguished awards as tokens of appreciation for his involvement and his contribution in helping to promote and raise the profile for the breed, the community of breeders including Young Members. These awards include;

• Young Members Association Hall of Fame award

• National Dairy Show lifetime recognition Award

• IHFA Golden Jubilee Recognition award

In nominating Tommy Finlay as the National Hall of Fame recipient 2024, the Irish Holstein Friesian Association expresses its thanks and appreciation to Tommy for his lifetime involvement and contribution.

Top 50 IHFA Production Herds

Milk recording figures were used to compile a list of the top producing (average actual milk solids production) herds in the IHFA membership. Criteria for animals and herds to be included is as follows; animals must be alive at the time of the list compilation and in the herd for the lactation, must have calved between 01/09/22 and 31/08/23. Minimum 3 recordings in the herd. Herds must have a minimum of 25 cows and 85% of the animal with pedigree status.

Top IHFA EBI Milking Herds

Lactating animals latest EBI’s were used to compile a list of the highest EBI milking herds in the IHFA Membership. Criteria for animals & herds to be included is as follows: Animals must be alive at time of list compilation, must be in the herd in May 2024, must have calved since 2023. Herds must have 85% of the animals with pedigree status and 80% of the animals in the herd must have an EBI on ICBF

Pedigree VS Non Pedigree A Comparision

of National Herd Data

We get asked a lot what are the benefits of being pedigree; there are many but to name a few adding value to stock sales, pedigree animals consistently sell for higher prices. Informed breeding decisions through cow families that perform in your herd which was shown in the last journal. Export demand is increasing yearly and TB valuation. It is also something bigger, the pride in your herd (sign), part of breeder clubs and the social side. With all this in mind we wanted to see how the pedigree herds perform against the non-pedigree herds in regards to production.

We received summary data from ICBF for the years 2018 to 2022; across a wide range of traits. Some traits had very little difference between the two. However; there are differences in some areas like lactation length with pedigree herds getting on average 10 more days milking. Somatic cell count was 7000 less in pedigree herds.

The biggest difference came in the way of kilos of solids where the pedigree herds were 60 kilos of solids per cow higher. This came in a large part to the extra milk production of the herds 7160 versus 6310 as there was no difference between the percentages achieved with either group at 4.1% fat and 3.55% protein. We used the A+B-C model (Fat*3.637 + Protein*6.183 - Milk*0.04) that is seen on the milk recording lifetime report to estimate the value difference per cow with an average of €250 more for pedigree cows. This amounts to a large amount of €25000 difference in a

Animals in pedigree herds averaged:

• 913 Lifetime Days VS 827 Lifetime Days in non-pedigree herds

• +60kgs more solids per Cow than non-pedigree herds

100 cow herd. Given that the average pedigree herd size was 102 cows vs 93 cows in the non-pedigree herds the amount is very real. Some of this could be due to more mature cows which can be seen in the lifetime days.

The lifetime days milking in the number of total days milking that a cow has achieved, the average for the animals in the pedigree herds averaged 913 versus 827 days in the nonpedigree herds. This is a large difference of 86 days. This means that cows are milking for longer and getting more lactations. When you take the 100 cow herd there is an extra 8600 days milking; which is a lot as there was only 6 days difference in calving interval.

You’ll see over the course of the next few months we will be promoting this data across our social media platforms

Changing of the Guard

A word from Richard Hamilton

Richard Hamilton hands over the IHFA Chain of Office to incoming President John O’Sullivan

the older and past members of the YMA past down to these young people. I would also like to congratulate all the YMA members who represented the YMA aboard at Shows and did us proud as an Association.

The last event of my term as President was the May bank holiday Sunday night where I attended the All Ireland Hall of Fame Awards night in Athlone and the IHFA winner was fellow club member Tommy Finlay of Tullamore.

It was a great honor and privilege to be elected as IHFA President last May at the AGM in Birr. This took me to a great number of events throughout the year starting with the Judge`s Conference in Kerry. We then had the Pure Friesian Open day in June hosted by Gearoid Maher & family, Killuragh herd, Cappamore, Co. Limerick followed by IHFA Open in July on fellow club member Peter and Mary Ging`s farm, Ballyclider herd, Portlaoise we were blessed with the weather and crowds on both days. The FBD National Livestock Show in Tullamore in August was the next event. It was off then to Virgina in Co, Cavan for the Diageo Bailey`s Championship towards the end of the month, again the weather looked after us on the day. Next event was the National Dairy Show in Millstreet, this brought the Show season to a close in the south of Ireland for 2023.

After getting a kind invitation during the summer from John Martin of Holstein N.I to attend their Prestation Awards night in Ballymena. I travelled North in November and had a very enjoyable night and ensured them all that they were very welcome to come down with a stock judging team for our Open Day and a team of handlers for the National Calf Show.

At the end of November, the C.E, Chairman, two office staff and myself travelled to France to attend the World Holstein Friesian Federation two day conference as the IHFA representatives. Some interesting research papers were shared with the delegates over the two days.

My last event for 2023 was to attend the R.U.A.S. Winter Fair in Lisburn just before Christmas.

The new year started off with the IHFA awards function which took place on January 26th in Portlaoise. I was delighted to attend the Pedigree Cattle Breeders Council All Star Awards function on Sunday February 11th which also took place in Portlaoise. The IHFA recipient was John and Bryan O`Connor, Bawnmore herd Kanturk, Co. Cork. Congratulations also to Mervyn Eager who was presented with the Pedigree Cattle Breeders Council Lifetime achievement award for his service to the Pedigree Cattle Breeders in the past.

The 2024 show season started off again in April with Emerald Expo in Virgina Co. Cavan, I would like to commend all the exhibitors on the high class of stock that I witnessed at the shows throughout the year and indeed all the YMA members who participated in the handling classes and YMA workshops during my time in office. I want to thank Aisling Neville (now farming in Moate with her husband Shane Kenny) for hosting a very well attended YMA work shop in April, there was also one held in Gurteen College last Autumn. It is

In 2023 we didn`t attend the Ploughing Match but instead had a group of Focus Farms which were followed on National & IHFA media. On September 15th one of the farms (Kevin & Martina Flynn`s Reary Herd, Clonaslee, Co.Laois) opened their farm to the public. All six focus farmers gave individual presentations about their farms & herd performance on the day. The weather was not in our favour on this day but thanks to ample good cow housing we were able to host it indoors on the day.

This year the IHFA Annual Bull Show and Sale was held in Kilmallock along with an inaugural elite calved Heifer sale, both sections were well supported and demand for quality stock was well rewarded with nearly a 100% clearance on the day.

As President I would like to thank all members and their families who hosted Open Days and indeed club Field evenings for their clubs throughout the year and the great hospitality given by all and the generous sponsorship that we receive from different companies and organisations for running all our events throughout the year.

During my term as President Elect and President I attended board meetings and I got to see the amount of time and work that goes into the running of the Association and I would like to thank all the board members, along with the IHFA staff (office and field) and the C.E for their commitment and management of the Association.

At this stage I want to thank Jon Parry (Principal) and fellow staff of Gurteen College for allowing me take time off during the year for me to be your President of 23/24.

I would also like to acknowledge my mother and brother who farm in Co. Carlow for me not being there some weekends to help out.

I truly enjoyed the year attending functions and meeting new faces.

I would now like to wish the incoming President, John O’Sullivan, and President Elect Mary Rafferty, the very best of luck for the coming year.

MASTER BREEDER AWARDS 2023

The IHFA are proud to announce the new Master Breeder awards. 20 worthy winners were named as IHFA Master Breeders 2023 on Wednesday 8th May at a special awards ceremony as part of the IHFA AGM.

Every year herds compete in local and national herds competitions. Some herds make it to the top lists for EBI, production or classification. So, what about herds that combine outstanding performance across a wide range of important metrics. These herds deserve recognition.

The Master Breeder award is a new initiative that recognises herds performing outstandingly on a number of key metrics related to production, sustainability and longevity. Some herds perform better in different aspects, but the top herds all have outstanding performance in a number of areas with few weaknesses.

The strength of IHFA lies in the diversity of genetics and production systems that are based on a top quality black and white cow. Herds recognised as 2023 Master Breeders ranged from 26 to 381 cows, across a wide range of production systems.

The Format

Cows with outstanding performance earn points for the herd. The best herd is the one with the highest average points. The vast majority of points come from actual cow performance as well as a small percentage from the genetic level.

Production

Points are awarded for Kgs solids, percentage solids, Milk Value (From milk recording lifetime reports, which includes a cost of production factor) and genetics for production form the EBI.

• The top 5 herds on fat kgs were all over 390 with the top herd on 510.

Kindly Sponsored by Munster Bovine & Progressive

the top herd on 254.

• The top 5 herds on Milk SI were all over 71 with the top herd on 84.

Longevity

Here classification is very important as we can see the relationship of higher classification scores with longevity. Number of lactations and EBI Health sub-index are also included.

• The top 5 herds on average lactation number were all over 4 with the top herd on 4.8.

• The top 5 herds on average classification were all over 86 with the top herd on 89.4.

• The top 5 herds on Health SI were all over 13 with the top herd on 16.

Sustainability

Points are awarded for calving interval, SCC, EBI Fertility and Beef sub-index.

• The top 5 herds for Calving Interval were all under 366 with the top herd on 360.

• The top 5 herds for Somatic Cell Count were all under 75 with the top herd on 47.

• The top 5 herds on Fertility SI were all over 113 with the top herd on 122.

• The top 5 herds on Beef SI were all over -3 with the top herd on 5.

Genetics

IHFA Master Breeders 2023

Robert Shannon

Our Master Breeders for 2023 listed by Prefix:

BALLYDEHOB

Cork

Timothy Fitzgerald BALLYMADDOCK Co. Laois

Andrew Cronin BALLYMARTIN Co. Cork

Patrick Flynn COOLMOHAN Co. Cork

James Murray DERRINSALLOW Co. Offaly

Colin Walsh FAIRVIEW Co. Dublin

Daniel O’Leary GLENNY Co. Cork

John Stone HALLSTONE Co. Westmeath

Ian Robert McKeague INISHOWEN Co. Donegal

Trevor Dudley KILSUNNY

John O'Sullivan LISDUFF

Gerard Caffery MILLSTREAM

John O'Callaghan MOUNTFARNA

Tipperary

Cork

Meath

Cork

Michael Kelly POUNDBRIDGE Co. Limerick

Henry O'Keeffe RADNEY Co. Cork

Kevin Flynn REARY Co. Laois

Noel O'Donovan RINGLEADER Co. Cork

MIchael J Hayes ROSSAGH Co. Cork

Eddie O'Flynn RYEFARM

Michael Murphy SKEHANAGH

Cork

Cork

Points Breakdown

Production (38)

• Solids: 12

• Percentages: 12

• Milk Value: 12

• Milk Sub Index: 2

Longevity (32)

• Conformation: 15

• Lactation (Parity): 14

• Health Sub Index: 3 Sustainability (30)

• Calving Interval: 14

• SCC: 10

• EBI: 2

• Fertility Sub Index: 2

• Beef Sub Index: 2

CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY

CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY

These

TOP CLASSIFIED COWS

from 1st November 2023 to 17th May 2024

ANIMAL NAME

CORMACOO GOLDSUN FAME ET

BALLYTIGUE GOLDCHIP PENNY

BALLYTIGUE GOLD CHIP ERIN

RICHARDSTOWN HAZEL 150

CROAGH SUSIE MIST 125

LISNACUNNA DEMAN LUELLA

BAWNMORE MOGUL REDROSE

KILGARRIFFE FANCY 11TH

LISNALTY CLARE 333

HALLOW SOL TWIZZLE

WILLSBRO LAMBDA PAMMY 247 ET

EEDY DOORMAN FAME

MONAMORE DIAMOND BARBIE

BAWNMORE PEPPER ALMERIC

TUBBERTOBY UNIX MINUTEMAID ET

WOODMARSH PEPPER PRUDENCE IMP

OVERALL SCORE

EX96

EX96

EX95

EX95

EX95

EX95

EX95

EX95

EX95

EX93 (3rd Lact.)

EX93 (3rd Lact.)

EX93 (3rd Lact.)

EX93 (3rd Lact.)

EX93 (3rd Lact.)

EX90 (2nd Lact.)

EX90 (2nd Lact.)

OWNER

JOHN COPPINGER

AIDAN FRAWLEY

AIDAN FRAWLEY

DONAL RING

PATRICK FRAWLEY

PATRICK COFFEY MVB

JOHN O CONNOR

MERVYN HELEN

PAUL HANNAN

PHILIP GEORGE JONES

JOHN O CONNOR

ROBERT G HELEN

JAMES KELLY

JOHN O CONNOR

PAUL FLANAGAN

PAUL HANNAN

Summer Calendar for IHFA Club & National Events

These are the events organised for the summer at time of going to print - more details are available on the IHFA online calendar, with extra events can be added at any time. Best of luck to all the clubs and the host farms with this summer’s activities!

IHFA Premier Bull & Heifer Sale

The IHFA 49th Annual Premier Bull Show and Sale and the inaugural IHFA Premier Heifer Sale was held on Wednesday, March 27th at the GVM Livestock Centre, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick. With auctioneer Denis Barrett at the helm, the new venue brought large crowds with standing room only as the sale commenced.

Bull Show & Sale

Senior Bull Show Results

1st: Mountfarna Gulliver (John O’Callaghan, Co. Cork)

2nd: Monamore Exhibit (James & Thomas Kelly, Co. Louth)

3rd: Skelligs Freddie (James Dillon, Co. Kerry)

Junior Bull Show Results

1st: Radney Kentucky (Henry O’Keeffe, Co. Cork)

2nd: Glenrea Pep (Martin Kennedy, Co. Cork)

3rd: Radney Alaska (Henry O’Keeffe, Co. Cork)

The Champion bull on the day, selected by judge Rickey Barrett, was Mountfarna Gulliver from John O’Callaghan’s Mountfarna herd (Pictured above). He was backed by seven generations of EX/VG cows and is maternal brother to last year’s champion Mountfarna Premiere. Reserve went to Monamore Exhibit from James and Thomas Kelly’s Monamore herd.

Top price bull: Radney Kentucky with Liam O’Keeffe

Bull Sale trade topped at €4,800 and averaged €3,150 with a 85% clearance. The top price of the sale went to Radney Kentucky bred by Henry O’Keeffe. The second highest price of the sale also went to Henry O’Keeffe for Radney Alaska selling for €4,700.

Heifer Sale

The 1st IHFA Premier Heifer Sale saw 32 heifers catalogued, with 27 put forward on the day for sale. The heifers averaged €2,150 and had an 80% Clearance. Topping trade was the pre-sale Champion Lisnalty Artist Zandra VG87, from Paul Hannan – she sold for €4,150. In her first lactation she is projected to produce 9,165kgs of milk, with fat of 3.86% and protein of 3.18% in a 305 day lactation.

Champion & top price

Heifer: Lisnalty Artist Zandra with Bill & Claire Hannan

The second highest price went to Barna Pepper Archie, with the proceeds kindly donated to Milford Hospice, consigned by Michael, Emma and Rachel McNamara and selling for €2,600.

JACKO FR1144

Check out Jacko, a versatile performer with exceptional fertility in his home country, boasting DPR +1.7 and PL +7.0 (productive life), along with a Fertility score of +2.0. His milk production is impressive too, yielding +346lbs with 0.28 Fat% and 0.13 Prot%. With strong linear traits, excellent teat placement, and hailing from the renowned Missy Family, Jacko is undoubtedly a rising star in the making!

Meet the Team!

We have some new members of the team to introduce you to!

Muireann Crowley

Registrations

Muireann joined the registrations team back in September 2023 after graduating from UCC with a BA in Economics and Geography. From Dunmanway, just north of Clonakilty, Muireann’s home farm comprises of 100 Limousin x Blue commercial beef cattle. In her spare time Muireann and her family breed and show young horses from yearlings through to 2- and 3-year-olds. Bringing them on and selling them as 4yr olds either lightly backed or ready to be broken. She is looking forward to meeting members at the IHFA National Open Day this summer and says chatting to different members daily is her favourite part of her role.

Marketing and Breed Promotion

Laura Helen Ashleigh Hughes

Laura commenced her role in Marketing and Breed Promotion in February of this year, jumping straight into the production of the Spring Journal. Originally from a dairy farm in Hertfordshire in the UK, Laura made the move to Ireland 5 years ago, to join her now Husband Jason and his family in Clonakilty. Laura is no stranger to the show ring, but she now much prefers the preparation work at home on the Eedy herd, she finds great satisfaction in watching cows develop during show preparation. Laura’s favourite part of her role is speaking to like-minded and interesting people every day.

Registrations

Ashleigh, originally from Glanmire, now married and living in Bandon. Ashleigh is a qualified Vet Tech and has 10 years’ experience TB testing and scanning, previous to her role in the Registrations team at IHFA. In her spare time Ashleigh is Showjumper/Eventer having competed up to 3* International eventing and 1.30 metre showjumping. She is currently producing her own homebreds and has two mares competing extremely well on the national circuit. The variation of queries from day to day and the friendly members are Ashleigh’s favourite part of her role.

Unforseen Benefits of Robotic Milking

John Ring and his farm manager Pat Reid milk 140 Friesian cows just outside Blarney in Cork.

Just over two years ago, John had two Lely Astronauts installed – which involved building onto an existing cubicle house. “Our parlour had reached a stage where it was starting to show its age so initially, we decided that we were going to put in a milking parlour,”

Becoming accustomed to the new system initially proved “a stressful time for both man and beast, I don’t know how it would have been possible without the team from Lely Mitchelstown” John admitted.

In terms of animal welfare, John said the Lely Astronaut and Grazeway has “made the cows way easier to manage - there’s no-one rushing them. And it’s absolutely fascinating to watch them pass each other – one going to the robot, another going to grazing, and no stress on them at all. It’s worked better than I could ever have imagined.”

The benefits of the system came into sharp and unexpected focus for John and his family when he became unwell last November.

“I was critically ill in hospital for 16 days while we were at the height of calving at home so Pat, my farm manager, and my wife Mary took over the show yet I could see how everything was going on the farm off my phone. When you bear in mind that Pat and I were pretty much illiterate on the technology front up until we had the robots installed, that just goes to show the quality and user-friendliness of the Lely system. And we know that Lely Centre Mitchelstown is only ever a phone call away when it comes to any help or advice that we’d need.''

Thanks to Lely, John and Pat can make more informed decisions when it comes to drying off. “This is our second year using selective dry cow therapy: at the click of a button, we can see the history of every cow’s lactation and daily cell count and then base our decisions on how to treat each cow thereafter. Thanks to the system, we also know when a cow is sick pretty much before she herself even knows about it. So, we can then quickly move her into a treatment area, and intervene if needed”.

“But for me, to be in my hospital bed and to remain up to date with how everything was going on the farm, I can’t describe how much stress that took off me. It was a very unexpected benefit when it came to us going robotic.”

Whether it is now, next year or in 10 years time, if you think that automatic milking might be for you, it will cost you nothing to get one of our sales team out and to figure out where in your yard milking robots could potentially go. This could save you or the next generation on your farm, time and money in the future.

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SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY WITH OUR

NATIONWIDE

BRANCH NETWORK.

For over 50 years FBD has been invested in agriculture, farming and rural life in Ireland. With our local network of 34 branches across the country we are uniquely placed to support Irish farmers and their communities.

Visit your local branch or call us on 0818 18 18 18 Opening Hours Mon-Fri: 9.30am-5pm