IHFA Breeder Profiles - Field Evening Hosts 2018

IRISH HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN Winter Journal 2018

IHFA, Clonakilty, Co. Cork.

Tel.:023 8833443 web: www.ihfa.ie 1

Laois Offaly 150 cow winter and spring calving herd averaging 8,000kgs milk delivering 596kgs milk solids per cow to Glanbia co-op.

Louise Young farms near Rathdowney in south county Laois. It is home to the Bawnogue herd of 150 pedigree registered Holstein Friesian cows with all heifer calves reared as replacement stock.

The herd was graded up to pedigree in 2016 and last year took up classification for the first time. It is a 5-star dairy herd, attaining this accolade on paper when reading through the co-op performance report for last year;

Bawnogue Herd, Louise Young & Family, Bawnogue, Rathdowney, Co. Laois.

• 596kgs milk solids delivered per cow (top 98% of suppliers) • 4.20% fat, 3.60% protein • S.C.C. 74 - Healthy cows and top quality milk production (top 98% of suppliers) • Top marks are also attained for litres delivered/cow/day.

“I applied to join IHFA two years ago and graded up the herd soon after. I knew there was an added value within the herd made possible through using cow family historical records. Also, milk recording has always been recognised as an important management tool.

“My father, Herbert, had

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a tradition of always using well-bred bulls. I continued with this approach and was also mindful that service and calving records were valuable herd data and should be recorded carefully.

“When I review the pedigree registration certs there is an element of pride in seeing the herd’s unique quality being captured and recognised.

“Following the grade up, herd classification became a possibility. Beginning last May, it was a very positive and informative experience. Cows that I knew to be of sound type, good longevity and hard working were rewarded as such. There are 5 Excellent (EX), 49 Very Good (VG) and

Pedigree in Profile

IHFA Club Field Evenings are unique occasions, hugely popular being a central event since the formation of all clubs. There are many elements on offer - the social gathering, educational forum, stockmanship, benchmarking and so on. Crucially, these events could not take place without the hosts. Here we talk to a number of Field Evening hosts from the past summer.

56 Good Plus (GP) cows on conformation.

747kgs milk solids, 4.08% fat and 3.72% protein.

“I got such a thrill when Bawnogue TPO Bluebell 1423 scored EX92. In her 8th lactation she achieved IHFA Diamond status, recently surpassing 3,000kgs protein production and is on track to complete five consecutive 10,000kg lactations with a lifetime average of 4.43% fat and 3.68% protein. In addition she has bred two VG daughters to date. She also scored EX95 for Legs & Feet!

I always admired her hard working, durable nature.”

Bawnogue GKY Emma VG89 has a lifetime yield of 31,571kgs milk, 2,515kgs milk solids, 4.34% fat, 3.63% protein in four lactations to date.

Bawnogue VGE Emily 1953 EX91 in her 4th lactation recorded 9,758kgs milk, 724kgs milk solids, 3.88% fat, 3.54% protein. Her daughter

by Pesky is scored GP84 and is projected to produce 7,372kgs milk in her second lactation at 3.62% protein.

Bawnogue PGW Snowdrop EX90 is projected in her 4th lactation to 9,568kgs milk,

Bawnogue VGE Stella 1768 VG89 in her 5th lactation produced 9,346kgs milk, 722kgs milk solids, 4.14% fat, 3.58% protein.

Bawnogue APF Lulu VG88 in her 2nd lactation produced 6,511kgs milk, 561kgs milk solids, 4.71% fat, 3.89% protein.

Bawnogue SOP Sophie VG88 has a Lifetime yield of 31,849kgs milk, 2,633kgs milk solids, 4.55% fat, 3.72% protein in four lactations to date.

Success in the local Club Herds Competition was a pleasant surprise and an added bonus. The family 31

have thoroughly enjoyed the club events since becoming involved and quickly scooped stock judging prizes, testament to an innate eye for good stock.

“It was a pleasure to host the field evening. The timing coincided with the summer heat wave and preparations were hampered in some ways.

Grass availability in particular was an issue. However, we did our best and the experience on the night was so rewarding with the feedback and comments received all being positive and complimentary.

It was a pleasant social occasion. As hosts we were delighted to do our bit for the club.”

Knowthfarm Herd James and Patricia Mc Grane, Slane, Co. Meath

North Eastern

MONAMORE TALENTS ALLIE RED EX95 5E • Her dam was bred in the Knowthfarm Herd after Jim and Patricia imported the family from Germany • One of Ireland’s highest ever classified Red & White cows To follow on from our very enjoyable field evening last June we would like to thank our local North East Friesian Breeders Club for allowing us that honour and to IHFA for the opportunity to profile our herd in this article and the breeding and management system in operation here at Knowthfarm.

The herd was established in 1981 on a 50 acre farm purchased from a local retiring farmer. Immediately, we started purchasing high quality

calved and in calf pedigree heifers from both Irish and European herds. From those early purchases the families that stood the test of time are the Diamonds, Alpentrip, Nells and the Jackelines.

Today the herd consists of 100 cows and 100 replacement heifers with 700kg of milk solids (milk recording) produced per cow at 3.36% protein and 3.90% fat and SCC of 70.

Recently we have introduced the Ebonys, Lulus, Jills, Darlene, Shower, Barbie and Papoose.

Over the last few years the sires we were most pleased with were Twist, Guarini, Massey, Norman, Toystory and Pesky. Presently we are using Supershot, Hangtime, Rager Red, Persius and MJP. Sexed semen is used heavily on the farm and has been

Our objectives are to breed cows with good type and conformation and a strong will to milk.

Jim addressing the crowd gathered at the Club Field Evening

over the past five years which explains the large number of replacements on hand. All maiden heifers are served with sexed semen and some quality young cows.

Conception rates are somewhat less than with conventional at about 55% but in my opinion the advantages far out-weigh the costs with most heifers calving on their own with a 90 to 100% chance of a female calf. The family I take most joy from at this time is the Red Alpentrips.

My first Alpentrip was a big in calf red heifer by an Enhancer son we bought in Germany in 1990 along with four other cows. I remember feeling quite nervous about buying her at the time as her price

tag was significantly higher than that of her comrades but she proved a good investment as she classified excellent herself and has produced five more generations of high excellent red cows with great longevity and a strong will to milk.

The highest classified red cow in Ireland is Monamore Talents Allie Red EX95 5E and is a great grand daughter of the original Alpentrip. There are two more great grand daughters still milking here at Knowthfarm worthy of note Knowthfarm Jet Trip Red EX93 3E, in her 6th lactation and Knowthfarm Lew trip EX94 4E, now in her 7th lactation.

Both were part of the group of senior cows at the field evening and with 55,000 and 70,000kgs produced to date

respectively.

While I have pen to paper I would like to encourage all young dairy farmers who have a desire to milk quality cows to join their local breeders club. From both an educational and social front the information you gain and friends you make are priceless.

By partaking in club events like Herds Competitions, Calf Shows, Field Evenings, Silage Competitions, breeding seminars, and most importantly club trips, you are constantly learning in a fun and social way and the contacts and friends you make remain with you for life.

Dairy farming at times can be challenging so you need a few little perks along the way.

Cork

Ballyroberts Herd Mathew, Antonia, Danielle, Mary & Redmond Walsh, Ballyroberts, Castlelyons, Co. Cork.

72,238kgs milk solids delivered to the co-op last year, 531kgs milk solids delivered per cow.

160 cows and heifers are calved in annually with surplus heifers offered for sale every year. Last year we milked 146 at peak, of which 40 were autumn calving and the remainder calving in the spring.

Milk production on this farm began in 1994, having previously been operated as an outfarm. Quota was purchased at every opportunity along the way, paving the way for gradual expansion and progress.

The initial herd consisted of 56 cows and was graded up with IHFA, attaining pedigree status in 1998. In 2002 the herd was classified for the first time and we haven’t looked back since.

IHFA pedigree registration and classification has strengthened cow families, identifying those with the functional traits to last and to breed replacements from. Using the information provided has

helped the herd to make good progress with legs and feet and also udders. In particular I am thankful to Paul Boal who encouraged us greatly in the early years and his advice proved to be solid.

Functionally correct cows have helped make strides over the years in efficient milk solids output.

Consistently solid cow families are so important to herd performance. An example of some of our home-bred cow families includes; Ballyroberts Marina 553 EX94 6E. In her 9th lactation this year she scored EX94 mammary, EX94 rump, EX93 body, EX92 feet & legs. She will shortly calve in with her 12th calf, having had one set of twins and is due to commence her 10th lactation around the same time as her 12th birthday. She is on track to achieve IHFA Diamond Cow status.

Her daughter Ballyroberts SUW Marina EX91 2E is in her 7th lactation, projected to produce 9,479kgs milk. She has protein to 3.54%. Fertility is strong! She calved in as a

heifer on January 30th 2012 and calved her seventh on January 26th 2018.

Ballyroberts Marina 805 EX92 4E in her 6th lactation with a lifetime yield to date of 56,600kgs milk 1,981kgs protein, 3.50% protein.

Ballyroberts Violet 842 VG88, 6th lactation projected yield of 7,720kgs milk, 584kgs milk solids, 4.10% fat, 3.64% protein. She calved in with her first on March 10th 2013 and calved with her sixth on February 15th this year! The Violet family trace back to Croagh breeding.

Ballyroberts Suzie 690 EX91 2E currently in her 7th lactation with a lifetime yield to date of 69,523kgs milk, 5,268kgs milk solids, 3.97% fat, 3.61% protein.

Ballyroberts Laura 1036 scored VG88 this year as a fourth calver. As a heifer she produced 7,139kgs milk, 541kgs milk solids, 3.82% fat, 3.75% protein.

Ballyroberts GIO Supreme EX92 5E now in her 8th lactation. She produced over

Ballyroberts Marina 553 EX94 6E

9,000kgs milk with 3.60% protein in two lactations. She has been a regular breeder calving her first February 24th 2011 and calved-in with her 8th calf on January 13th this year.

Ballyroberts Yacht 955 VG87 now in her 4th lactation. As a second calver she recorded 8,895kgs milk, 656kgs milk solids, 3.79% fat, 3.59% protein. This family take the name as a nod to the reputed sire of yesteryear Merston Yachtsman.

Membership and being involved in the Cork Club

is a great benefit. It is a very progressive club with knowledgeable people. The Club Herds Competition is a wonderful event, it encourages you to try and improve year after year.

The herd has won individual prizes back along and it was fabulous to have won 1st place in the Senior Category in 2016.

The Field Evenings are a fabulous way of visiting good herds and experiencing fantastic management. It was an honour to host the Cork Club Field Evening on June 27th. Any nerves beforehand

were soon replaced with enjoyment and a sense of pride. John Kirby was Master Judge and we are thankful to John for his contribution and also to Shane McHugh for his helpful advice. Other Club events that we really enjoy are the National Dairy Show, Millstreet and the AI information nights.

The IHFA National Open day is a superb event and we try to attend as many as possible across the country. It is a great shop window for the breed.

ARDSKEAGH SNI SAL • Reserve Confined Champion cow National Dairy Show 2018 • Champion of Cappamore Show and Reserve Champion Limerick Show 2018 • Bred from the Barrett family’s deep pedigreed Sallie family she is on course to produce over 10,00kgs milk and 700 kgs milk solids in her third lactation 136 cow spring calving herd produced 80,000kgs milk solids in 2017 The Ardskeagh prefix was established in 2004 when the herd was graded up. We were unfortunate in that we suffered an incidence of TB. The value of pedigree stock in terms of premium valuation was a big eye-opener and a very important lesson learned at that time. Now the herd is all AI bred and we are trying to breed the best quality by using the tools available to us.

Influential cow families include Lulu, Criona, Emblem, Judy, Ivy, Dana, Princess, Georgina, Blossom, Angel, Bonny and

Alanna. Dabbling a bit with buying embryos has allowed us the ability to introduce such North American families as Elegance, Mia and Shandy.

Ardskeagh Morty Rose VG85 in her 3rd lactation produced 9,775kgs milk, 724 kgs milk solids, 4.01% fat and 3.40% protein.

Ardskeagh Mia Dora ET EX93 3E a Tri-Day Adolph EX94 daughter with big production and high yields of milk solids.

Her daughter by Mr. Minister produced 8,856kgs milk in her fifth lactation with 584kgs milk solids. She then calved in with her sixth calf within a 365-day calving interval.

Ardskeagh Dessie Rosary VG85 in her 2nd lactation recorded 8,817kgs milk, 653kgs milk solids, 3.81% fat and 3.60% protein.

Ardskeagh Morty Aoife VG88 has averaged 8,590kgs milk in her seven lactations to date.

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Ardskeagh Chairman Bonny VG85 5th lactation with a lifetime yield of 40,447kgs milk, 3,269kgs milk solids with averages of 4.49% on fat and 3.59% on protein.

Classification is so important in highlighting functionality.

If the structure of the cow

Ardskeagh Herd John and Anne-Marie McNamara & family, Ardskeagh, Charleville, Co. Cork

is not correct then she can’t be expected to be a good producer and thus longevity is reduced. Classification also helps paint a picture of consistency in cow families over generations.

Breeding policy is focused on cows who will produce the volume to pay the bills, who add value and quality along the way and deliver the goods in a grass-based spring calving system with supplementation fed whenever required.

Looking back on the herd performance from last year it is interesting to note that the 29 mature cows in the herd (4th lactation and older) had an average calving interval of 365 days.

We were delighted to be placed 3rd in the Club Herds Competition last year. The club is a great forum for likeminded people. Being involved opens up your mind to what is going on in other yards. You will always pick up something useful from another breeder.

The field evenings are a great learning opportunity.

For example, you get to see how bulls are performing in

different herds.

An unexpected benefit in hosting the field evening was that it gave us a deadline to work towards and was an added push for getting a few jobs done which had been put on the long finger. As it happened the heavens opened as we were about to start the stock-judging after what had previously been a glorious

Limerick Clare

sunny summer’s day. We then brought the stock indoors and on reflection it was a great move as it created a cosy and close atmosphere.

The children really enjoyed it, they had the opportunity to mingle with other children and this social aspect is very important.

Ardskeagh SNI Sal, Reserve Confined Champion at the National Dairy Show, Millstreet 2018

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Galway

TJ Martin & Sons, Massmore, Tuam, Co. Galway.

development of the herd by offering advice when sourcing young stock and bull selection, which significantly shapes the herds future.

John And Michael Martin

Massmore pedigree Holstein Friesians herd of the Martin Family, is farmed by Galway brothers John and Michael Martin along with parents TJ and Kathleen and brothers James and Patrick who work off farm.

The farm was converted from beef and sheep to a dairy enterprise in 2010 with the purchase of 125 maiden heifers. Milking commenced in 2011 and the herd has grown to over 300 cows today.

We calve mostly in spring with about 10% calving down in autumn. Average yield is 7,300 litres with 550kgs milk solids,3.47% protein, 3.97% fat, SCC at 160 and TBC at 8.

Our breeding policy aims to improve the herd by selecting bulls with a plus on fat and protein, good legs & feet and fertility, to achieve an animal that will progress into a wellbalanced mature cow.

Bulls used in recent years include OLG, KOZ, RXR, HZB, XDO, HDJ, DGC, OOK, S2211, HSV and ZPB. Being part of the Galway Club helps us learn from other dairy farmers within the county.

This year the Galway Club enjoyed visits to Red House Holsteins in Northern Ireland and a tour of the UCD Dairy Research Unit.

Pedigree is very important to our business as it helps us to add value to the cows and improves herd quality. Our aim is to be recognised for sales of quality breeding stock in the future.

IHFA have been key to the 34

We compete in the annual local Galway Herds Competition. We have won a few individual cow prizes. In 2016, our farm won Best Kept Farmyard in the Over 100 Cow Section It was an honour to be asked by the Galway Club to host the Field Evening. From a standing start in 2010 it was a proud day to see how far the farm has progressed to today.

It was important for us that the cows would look well on the night. As hosts it was a proud honour. It reinforced the importance of doing things a s best as possible.

The Massmore field evening was enjoyed by all! “Any successful business once started with a courageous decision�

A sunny setting as the Ballygown Herd hosts the Carlow Kilkenny Club Field Evening

Carlow Kilkenny We operate a 160 spring calving herd producing 592kgs of milk solids. The Ballygown prefix was registered by myself and my late father, Jimmy, and graded up to pedigree in 1993. We find pedigree status a great addition for both selling cows and breeding bulls, it gets a premium price. Also in recent years it has been beneficial in getting bulls into AI stations.

The main cow families being Mia, Lucy and Sue now account for 90% of the herd.

We try to breed a medium size cow capable of producing over 600kgs of milk solids and also using EBI to help fertility and above all from a proven pedigree family.

The IHFA give a great service especially through classifying, which we only started seven years ago. We are delighted we made this step as it adds value to the herd and helps when selling bulls. The staff in Clonakilty are a great help when registering and solving queries, if they arise.

We joined the Carlow Kilkenny

Ballygown Herd Seamus and Louise Knox, Ballygown, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny

Club in 2012 and won the Novice Section in the Herds Competition in 2013. We also won the Senior Fat & Protein Cow in 2013, 2014 & 2015 with three different cows from the Mia family. The Mia family has also produced a number of AI bulls which stand in Eurogene, Progressive Genetics and Dovea. Since we joined the club we have gotten to know many members and through stock judging have gotten to see many of the outstanding herds in the Carlow Kilkenny Club.

It was an honour to be asked to host a field evening and the fact that it was an Awards Night made it more daunting because of the excellent standards set over the previous years. The fact that grass was very scarce at the end of June didn’t make things easy, however the night was a great success with a 35

huge turnout of all ages on a beautiful summer evening. We had two classes on the night, Senior Cow and Junior Cow judged by Christian Keenan.

Afterwards a great BBQ was organised by the Club and presentation of Club Awards for the year A huge thank you to all the great friends and neighbours who helped in the setting up and ensuring everything was ready for the night. Thank you to all who sponsored and donated prizes and especially to the Club for all the help and the positive feedback about the herd which made it all worthwhile.

Louise, Ellen, John and Seamus

Slaney

We milk 130 cows, all spring calving, producing 6,749kg of milk with average fat at 4.79% and protein at 3.49% The herd was started by my late father, Paddy. He milked shorthorn cows by hand in the 1940s. He later moved to British Friesian cows, when they started to get established, and purchased cows in Northern Ireland.

He was one of the founding members of the Slaney Club in 1976. He thoroughly enjoyed going on Club Tours, with my late mother, Mary, and fellow Slaney Club members, to see top herds in England, Wales and Holland.

Barryscross Herd Patrick & Carmel Banville, Barry’s Cross, Taghmon, Co. Wexford

He was very forward thinking and developed the herd through the use of AI, breeding his own replacements and purchasing cows from established herds.

He had a life-long interest in and a passion for breeding quality cows up until the time of his passing in 2017, at the age of 95.

I started working with my father in 1990 and took over the farm in 1996. I am presently farming with my wife Carmel and our three children, John 18, Brian 15 and Orla 13.

Through the purchase of quota over the years the herd was increased and when 36

quotas were abolished we cut out the beef enterprise. We have a small amount of tillage for use on the farm.

After many years of milk recording and the use of AI

the herd was upgraded to pedigree status in 2008.

This was done to add value and capture cow family performance. All the information gathered over many years wasn’t being utilised as the herd was pedigree but wasn’t graded up.

In making decisions we try to breed a medium sized cow with excellent legs and feet, an excellent udder, good fertility, high solids, a good quantity of milk and a cow that will last in a spring calving, grassed-based system. For the last number

of years, we have operated a closed herd system.

We now operate a 130 head, spring calving herd producing 6,749kg of milk at an average of 4.79% butterfat and 3.49% protein.

We are presently in the Intermediate Section in the Slaney Club, having won the Junior Section a number of years ago. In the past we have won Quality Milk Awards with Wexford Creamery, now owed by Glanbia Ireland.

For the past three years we have won awards for having

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an average somatic cell count under 65,000 under the CellCheck programme.

We were delighted to host a Field Evening on the 15th of May last and had a large attendance of Slaney Club members. It was interesting to hear the Judge’s comments on the cows as he pointed the individual cows’ strengths and weaknesses.

The evening was enjoyed by all especially after the difficult winter and spring. We didn’t know then that the drought was still to come!!

Swiftsheath Herd, Carlow Kilkenny Tom and Maura Murphy, Swiftsheath, Jenkinstown, Co. Kilkenny

Milking 80 cows split between 30% autumn and 70% spring calving. The herd is currently predicted to produce 650kg of milk solids this year, with 90% of the herd classified VG/EX. The Swiftsheath herd was established in 1980 after making the switch to Holstein breeding with a view to drive production and quality. This can be seen throughout the prominent cow families within the herd such as Mia, Torch and Breeze.

The breeding goal is medium size cows with dairy strength, udders that last and feet and legs with the correct locomotion for grazing.

Top AI bulls with positive linear conformation from proven cow families, EBI and excellent fertility are used in the herd. Best practice in breeding of pedigree registration, classification and milk recording has been the hallmark since the foundation of the herd.

One such animal that has shone through is Swiftsheath Breeze 1573 a 1st calved heifer, predicted to produce 8500kg this year in 305 days.

She was shown throughout the summer and placed first in both Clonmel and Ossory show. In 2017 she placed first in the Mature Class of the National YMA. We are lucky to be involved with the Carlow Kilkenny Club, it is a huge asset to be able share ideas and get advice from like-minded people. We find the club to be a great social outlet for our family with a range of events throughout the year such as

YMA, Field Evenings, Herds Competition and BBQ’s.

In association with both Carlow Kilkenny Friesian Breeders and Lely, we were honoured to hold a Field Evening in May last. This is a fantastic opportunity for any breeder to receive vital feedback from like-minded people. Throughout the day Lely hosted an Open Day to showcase there robotic milking system which we adapted in January 2017, a move we made to reduce labour and improve efficiency.

Looking back, it truly was a great success with an overall attendance of over 200 people. It was an enjoyable experience to meet so many people who had travelled to view the herd and the positive comments, really make it all worth it. We would like to thank everyone that helped out on the day.

Swifsheath Breeze 1573, Class winner at Ossory Show this year. She also won 1st at Clonmel Show and previously won Mature Class at the Natioanl YMA FInals

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High output herd built on top International cow families delivering 600kgs milk solids/cow 50% autumn calving, 40% spring with 10% throughout the year depending on targeted matings.

The herd was established in the early 1970s with British Friesian the dominant choice.

Tubbertoby Armani Fleur, 1st heifer In-Milk, Best Udder and Exhibitor Bred, Expo 2018

Tubbertoby Herd, Paul and marguerite Flannagan & Family, Termonfeckin, Drogheda, Co. Louth Pedigree breeding is right at the top of the tree when it comes to our farm business.

Our best performing cows have the best pedigrees so these are the pedigrees we concentrate on breeding from to continually improve.

Top cow families currently include the Fawns, Frans, Blackrose, Torys and Paradise.

Interesting families in the pipeline include Apple, Sesame, Fame and Abrakazoo.

Sire selection criteria is for bulls with good cow families with high type. In addition it is important to have good production, positive components, fertility and positive health traits. I think with the use of genomics this is made more likely than five or ten years ago.

Several IHFA services are availed of to help progress the herd. Pedigree registration captures the lineage of the

animal born. Classification is crucial to building pedigrees and cow families. Herd promotion is important and the IHFA annual Journals help publicise herd achievements and successes. Genomic testing will no doubt evolve over time and it could yet have a greater role to play.

The herd has won Champion Herd in the North Eastern Club Herds Competition for the last two years.

We also had cows placed in the top five of the Baileys Champion cow in both 2016 and this year.

The entire family partakes fully in the North Eastern Club, be it at the Calf Show, Herds Competition or Field

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North Eastern Evenings. All these events are great social gatherings and have a broad educational benefit.

We really enjoyed hosting the Club Field Evening. The weather was great which was important to get a good crowd out. It is always a good opportunity to meet likeminded people and, of course, to talk cows.

1st Junior Heifer & Hon. Mention Intermediate Championship, Expo 2017, Future Dreams H Absolute Joy

Ballyroberts Marina 553 EX94 6E

Cork

Moneygurran Herd, James and Seamus Crowley, Moneycrohy, Enniskeane, Co. Cork

The herd was established in the 1960s and we started grading up to pedigree status in 1985 under the Moneygurran herd prefix.

We farm 240 acres with 35 rented. We milk a herd of 170 cows who calve mostly in spring with an additional 10% in autumn. Most recently we delivered 644kgs milk solids to the co-op with 700kgs milk recorded.

Our herd is based on breeding from our best cow families such as Dandelion, Clover, Daisy, Sunflower and Ellen, to produce high volumes of milk and milk solids. Some notable cows in our herd are Moneygurran Dandelion 53 EX90, Moneygurran Dandelion 37 EX92, Moneygurran Supreme 23 VG88 and Moneygurran Daisy 4 EX92.

In selecting bulls we aim for high production, good conformation and longevity.

We had the honour of holding the Cork Club Field evening this year where a large crowd of over 300 people turned out to enjoy our herd and hospitality. Those present were impressed by the quality of the herd with some suggesting we enter for Agricultural Shows.

With this in mind we entered Barryroe and Dunmanway Shows where we received the Champion Cow award at both of them. We also entered Bantry Show here we got the Best Pair Award with Moneygurran Clover 62 EX91 and Moneygurran Ellen Stonewall 12 EX90 and Reserve Champion. We have also received many awards in the Cork Club Herds Competition.

We are very proud to be members of Cork Holstein Friesian Breeders Club and enjoy taking part in the club activities throughout the year

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as well as making friends.

We feed our cows a mainly grass based diet, with a total mixed ration during the winter and a buffer feed on the shoulders. The TMR consists of grass silage, maize silage and straights of soya bean and maize meal. We recently have started to use zero grazing as well. The cows are offered a dairy nut in the parlour on a feed to yield computerised feeding system.

It was a great honour to hold the Cork Club Field Evening this year. It was something we had been working towards for some time and after a numbers of years of saying no, we decided to host it. It was a great opportunity to show people our stock and our farming system and of course it was a great opportunity to clean the place up. We would encourage anyone who is asked to hold a field evening to go ahead and do it.

Laois Offaly

Kilduff Herd, Fearghal & Michelle Sullivan and family, Kilduff, Croghan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly

120 cow pedigree herd with projected average production of 742kgs milk solids (on milk recording figures).

Predominantly spring calving with limited number of autumn calvers Cows have been milked on this farm for over 50 years. I took over the running of the farm in 2003 and graded up to pedigree status soon after.

To me pedigree breeding elevates the herd, enhances the level of interest in the herd, gives you the bigger picture in terms of performance and opens a wider market when offering stock for sale.

The grade up process identifies the strength of cow families, capturing consistency. Home-bred families are the backbone to the herd with three families in particular standing out; Violet, Marguerite and Brona. They are very fertile high yielders and are easy to manage.

Type is an important criteria in sire selection because conformation is so important in driving production and longevity. I want cows with good legs & feet, strong in the udder traits especially attachment and teats, having body depth and capacity.

These are the cows who last in the herd. I also select for

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milk solids production and positive in percentages.

Classification is a very informative service, it also adds a further level of interest in the herd. I also find that classification is very useful in sire selection.

A number of cows have been selected for the IHFA team of cows on display at the National Ploughing Championships. This was fabulous recognition and I got a thrill from the fact that the cows were considered to be of such high calibre.

Being involved in the Laois Offaly Club is very enjoyable.

The standard is very high with the quality of breeders and cows in the local area. I like to see where my herd is at in comparison to the top herds.

There is also a very enjoyable social aspect of the club.

It was an honour to have been asked to host a Club Field Evening. I understand that a herd must firstly be regarded as being of a certain standard or level so the fact that I was even asked was personally very nice. The evening went very well, there was a good crowd and the atmosphere was warm and very social. All comments and feedback on the stock was very complimentary, this was very good to hear.

Breffni Oriel

Clonocey Holsteins & Pedigree Jerseys Seamus & Paul Shannon, Clonocey, Belturbet, Co Cavan

Traditionally, we milked Ayrshire cows, but as I began to manage the farm we moved towards Holstein Friesians. I upgraded the herd in the late 1980s, and since then I have been classifying and milk recording.

Jana family. Families that we have purchased over the years include Vita, Chezanne, Halo, Roxy, Ellie, Daffodil, Snowball, Willow, Rosena, Robin and Fanta. One of the foundation cows, Galway Bay Jed Chezanne, showed very successfully for us. We sold a lot of bulls and heifers out of this family throughout the years and it is a family that is still breeding very well to this day.

Home-bred families which are still very influential in the herd today include Bluebell, Eileen, Ruby, Rose and the

Another of the foundation cows is Corrib Storm Halo Red who has put a tremendous stamp on our herd, breeding

I worked on the family farm from an early age with my father, Jim. On returning from Australia, I took over the farm in 1981.

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very functional and high yielding cows with 4 EX and 7 VG descendants in the herd at the moment.

The cow pictured is her grand-daughter, Clonocey Classic Halo Red EX90, who won Champion Holstein at Virginia Show 2018. As a young heifer, she showed very well and won Junior Champion at Rathdowney Show in 2014.

She is projected on her third lactation to do 11,669kgs with 720kgs of milk solids.

Her dam, Clonocey Rubens Halo EX91, was a National

YMA winner in 2005 and had a lot of other success at local level in her lifetime.

Other influential cows in the herd are: Clonocey Classic Jana Red EX90, Clonocey Lew Red Janna EX91 and Clonocey Classic Red Halo EX90, Clandeboye Fever B Willow ET EX90, Collinsfort Sam Daffodil 655 EX91 and Ardnasalem Lavanguard Fanta EX90.

Sires used in this year’s breeding programme are Secretariat Darlingo, Jordie Red, Diamond Back and Casper. I have had great success using sexed semen. It is a fantastic route to getting more heifers on the ground, which opens up the option of offering surplus stock for sale. In our experience, sexed semen works very effectively

on cows as well as heifers.

My aim is to develop up to date genetics to enable us to continually compete at regional and national level. It is also important in developing a reputation for selling surplus breeding stock and stock bulls throughout the year.

In the past we have bred more towards high yielding cows with good legs and feet and mammary systems. We are now starting to focus more on fat and protein while maintaining type and keeping a keen eye on fertility.

Paul introduced Jerseys to the herd a number of years ago and we have now 12 purebred Jerseys in the herd. We are currently milking 58 cows averaging over 9,000kgs of

Clonocey Classic Halo Red EX90

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milk with 640kgs of fat and protein combined.

Thanks to being a member of the Breffni Oriel Club and attending field evenings and stock judging events, I have become a more competent judge which in turn helps me to choose animals from my herd for showing and selecting bulls for breeding. I was on the Senior Stock Judging team for Breffni Oriel, along with Kenny Boyd and Seamus Gunn this year at the National IHFA Open Day, where we were placed 3rd overall.

Slaney

Clonder Herd Jim & Derry Byrne, Clonmore, Bree, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford

Clonder ASI Guess EX91 6E (pictured) • Photographed in her 13th lactation!

• IHFA Diamond Award status achieved • Regular annual calving pattern calving with her 1st on January 29th 2006, continuing through with her 13th calf on January 21st 2018!

• Three VG daughters in the herd producing over 8,000kgs per lactation with high fat% and regular calving intervals.

• This family won best cow family award in the Club Herds Competition, Senior Section this year.

Milking 125 cows averaging 605kgs milk solids delivered to co-op. Split calving pattern 2/3 spring, 1/3 autumn The herd has been milk recorded for over 20 years now and we graded up to pedigree status fifteen years ago. It was the logical step to take since records have always been maintained carefully with a lot of information accumulated. This is a closed herd. No cow has been bought in for well over thirty years.

Pedigree status adds another, deeper, level of interest in breeding. It adds value in so many ways. The grade-up process made us aware of the power of cow families.

Classification informs breeding policy and sire selection in addition to strengthening the cow families. Soon after grading up we joined the Slaney Club and got involved.

This has been so enjoyable over the years, it brings a tremendous social aspect in addition to being a network of like-minded local breeders.

Key cow families in the herd includes; Guess, Aoife, Nola, Alma, Adela, Olive, Anne, Gertie and Annie.

Clonder JKB Nola EX90 3E In her 8th lactation with a lifetime production to date of 78,952kgs milk, 6,630kgs milk solids, 4.97% fat, 3.43% protein.

Clonder RUU Nola VG88 in 44

her 6th lactation recorded 8,510kgs milk, 731kgs milk solids, 5.12% fat, 3.47% protein.

Clonder RXR Anne EX92 now in her 4th lactation with a lifetime yield of 52,822kgs milk, 4,489kgs milk solids, 4.94% fat, 3.56% protein.

Driving efficiency through breeding better cows is key.

Herd breeding policy is aimed at getting back on track having pursued the EBI route for a few years and been disappointed with the results.

We lost milk and it seemed that we were going backwards. We are aiming for a herd average production of 8,000kgs and good solids.

Volume is so important, it

drives output throughout the year. Sire selection is focused on dairy type, + 300kgs milk with high volume of solids, improved stature and add teat length.

All bulls must be pedigree and we select a maximum of five sires. We are at our maximum in cow numbers in terms of acres and facilities so the only way to drive on is to increase output from within. Increasing numbers is not the answer for everyone. It is important to have a balance and make time for family, social gatherings and other interests.

The long-established use of milk recording over twenty years, closed herd policy and pedigree status is something we are proud of. Classification

is a very useful tool, we appreciate the feedback of the Classifier when he visits. It is an independents service which seems to be under-utilised.

We like to manage the herd and the farm with a high level of attention to detail. Two years ago we were nominated to go forward for the National Quality Milk Awards and were delighted to have won best TBC Nationally. We have also been awarded a Cell Check award the last five years in a row. Keep the cows and the herd as healthy as you can and there will be positive benefits.

The Slaney Club is very important to us and we are delighted to have meet so many good people. It was 45

an honour to host the field evening, our first time to do so although the prospect did seem daunting in the few days before. The evening was most enjoyable. Derry was in her element as host!

There was a fine crowd and the feedback was very complimentary.

Cork

Knocksmill Herd John and Deirdre O Sullivan, Ardcoohig, Courtmacsherry, Bandon, Co. Cork

Knocksmill Shottle Susan VG88, exhibited at the National Dairy Show

Milking 80 cows in a split calving herd calving about 40% (30 cows) in the autumn and the remainder in the spring, though this can vary at times depending on sale opportunities for breeding stock.

The herd was first registered in the 1970s by my late father following on the purchase of some pedigree cattle. The development of the herd began in the 1980s when

the herd was graded up to pedigree.

Over the years some cow families were purchased from local herds including the Lulu and Lugina families from the Ovensgrove herd, the Macushla family from the Chadvalley herd, the Fairy and Snowdrop families from the Bengourwest herd, the Susan and the Amelia family from the Windrock herd, the Jean Family from the

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Sunnylodge Herd in Canada, the Chezanne Family bred from the Startmore Charmaine Family in Canada, the Sasha (Cherrycrest Bio Sasha) and the Emmy (Trout River Triple Treat Emmy) Families from the Lisduff herd.

Recorded production in 2017 was 8,336kgs (1,781 gals) 3.91% fat, 3.31% protein at 608kgs of milk solids per cow In choosing bulls particular

attention is given to balanced breeding while maintaining milk. Bulls exceeding 300kgs milk with high kilos of fat and protein. Plus on fertility and health are paramount. On conformation we look for at least plus 2 for legs and feet, udders and body capacity.

Emphasis is increasingly being put on strength as we are concerned at loss of strength that is occurring.

The herd is A4 milk recorded and is type classified regularly.

We find it very beneficial to get independent evaluation of the traits of the animals and the herd. The discussion during classification and the opinions of the classifiers who are seeing animals all over the country is invaluable when making breeding decisions.

We have been involved in the Cork Holstein Friesian Club for many years and we have enjoyed the friendship and the support of the members. The club and the

Young Members Association (YMA) are important social outlets and the YMA in particular has been invaluable in encouraging the children in showmanship while it has greatly encouraged and stimulated and interest in cattle.

Over the years I have served as Trade Stand Co-ordinaror and Director of the National Dairy Show. We participate in the Club Herds Competition and attend social functions like the annual Club barbecue.

Over the years we have attained prizes for individual animals, cow families and the herd. Our highest accomplishment in showing has been winning 2nd prize and Best Udder in Class at the National Dairy Show in 2015 with the home bred Knocksmill Shottle Susan VG88 Pedigree breeding has been a solid contribution to farm

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income over the years with the sale of breeding stock being a big supplement to milk sales. Sale of breeding stock has contributed between 30 and 40% of income on many years. Animals have been sold both locally and throughout the country, Northern Ireland and the UK. Hosting the Field Evening was both rewarding and beneficial for the family and the herd by being able to welcome the many friends we have made over the years of breeding to our farm to view the cows, to chat on the various views of those attending and to have social interaction with club members and friends. We also must thank all the help given in the days leading up to the field evening particularly by the YMA members.

• 110 cow herd, robotic milking, averaging 10,000kgs • 71% of the herd classified VG/EX on conformation.

• Breeder of Drumlina Atwood Megan - Baileys Champion Cow and Balmoral Champion 2018 The Drumlina herd was established by Sandy Moore in 1978 soon after he took over

Breffni Oriel the management of the farm from his father. He graded up as a vehicle to progress the herd, excited to work with high quality breeding.

Through the years investment was made in high calibre cow families and this has stood the test of time. The Megan family hails from Canada and has been very successful with 37 family members currently in the herd, all naturally born without the use of E.T. Other prominent families includes; Roxy, Darkie, Gaye, Regina, Gem, Reba, Winnie, Julia, Lucy, Mary.

Pedigree status adds to the depth of breeding and records built up in the herd, adding value through the generations.

Classification brought advances in benchmarking quality, helping sire selection and breeding policy. Similar to a lot of breeders, we are trying to make progress with every generation and build on gains achieved.

IHFA Gold & Diamond

Drumlina Herd Sandy, Andrew and Margaret Moore & family, Smithborough, Co. Monaghan.

Awards are unique recognitions conferred on cows achieving 3,000kgs protein production. The herd has received a number of these awards for home-bred cows including; • Drumlina Astre Helen EX95 7E • Drumlina Crew Julia EX94 6E - her daughter by Palermo recently scored EX90 as a third calver • Drumlina Marlin Mary EX93 5E • Drumlina Outside Winnie EX93 5E • Drumlina Foothill Lucy 4 EX93 3E • Drumlina Integrity Iola EX91 2E Drumlina Smatic Lucy EX93 4E is on track to attain this production distinction shortly and hopefully we will further add to this list in time.

‘Milk solids output is a big part of sire selection. We are also trying to maintain yields above a certain level. We pay close attention to sire lines in an effort to avoid the mating of related genetics.

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‘The showing success and prowess of Drumlina Atwood Megan has brought great joy for all of us involved in the syndicate to include David Boyd, Denis O’Neill, Brendan Greenan and Rory Timlin.

Winning Baileys Champion Cow was very special, given how highly regarded the show is and of course it is hosted in the Breffni Oriel Club area.

‘Being involved in the club over the years has been a great way to learn and improve. Visiting other farmers always opens the mind to new or better ways of doing things.

It was an honour to have been asked to host the club field evening and the event was a great success. The turnout was very big and this support is very much appreciated. A special auction was held on the night as a fund raiser for two local causes, the YMA Club, Holy Family School and Special Care Unit, Cootehill with €6,500 raised. This level of generosity is a tremendous reflection on club members.’

Prizewinning herd with national and local awards, averaging 704kgs milk solids per cow per year (305d) We are currently milking 45 cows, calving in a 50:50 split autumn/spring calving pattern.

Last year the milk recorded average production for the herd was over 9,600kgs milk production and 704kgs milk solids (305 d).

Thevalley Herd Noel Hennessy, Bishopstown, Lismore, Co. Waterford The herd was established as pedigree in 1974. Looking back over the years since I can honestly say that pedigree breeding has kept the farm and our family going throughout. It lays a benchmark for deep understanding, appreciation and quest for detailed information in the herd. It also adds a depth of quality through the accumulation of records over time and to the herd breeding policy.

Being part of the Tipperary Waterford Club has been a marvellous outlet for likeminded breeders locally.

Through the many events, and competitions I have gotten to know so many people all over Ireland and abroad. Without this network, I would not have had this unique opportunity.

Influential cow families that are doing really well in the herd includes; Frost, Mauie, Petinia, Gail, Elegance, Paradise, Marq I.

Tipperary Waterford

Sire selection presently is to select for conformation, fertility, daughter pregnancy rate and increasing milk solids production.

IHFA classification is very important to help the breeder to focus on correcting any weakness identified on your animal type graph. It also helps to add value to cow families through the accumulation of records over generations. It also helps inform breeding policy and sire selection.

The herd has been fortunate with success in local and national competitions including the National Herds Competition Under 80 Section 2013 and 2016.

Being part of the Tipperary Waterford Club has been a big part in the 49

development of the herd.

From making so many friends, attending club meetings and trips around Ireland, England and all over Europe.

We were delighted to host the Tipperary Waterford club field evening and stock judging in June. I think it is a great way for people to see your stock. We had a big number of people on the evening from Waterford, Tipperary, Cork, Limerick and Kilkenny. It was a pleasure to welcome people to Thevalley farm.