CE FOREWORD Breeding 2023: The future is Black, White & Green
IHFA members are in a stronger position then ever before, but new challenges are being presented. The gains made in terms of fertility and milk solids in member herds have been excellent and this leaves us in a fantastic position to push ahead for the future. The success of IHFA members can be seen in the number of Irish bred bulls in the AI catalogues. Having more fertile cows means we are getting more and more cows to mature production. This means higher production herds as we have more cows at mature output. It also means we have cows leaving herds for other reasons, mainly lameness and mastitis. Breeding for health, udders and feet are becoming more important.
There are a few key points in this. First is to minimize replacement rate by maximizing longevity. The second is to have saleable nondairy cattle. In this issue we look at what some farms are doing to prepare for the future as well as looking at the beef calf market and how we can maximise genetic gain for our dairy cows.
The climate challenges, in carbon terms, are strongly linked to efficiency of production per cow on a grass based diet and her longevity. We have the tools to deal with this. Carbon and Nitrates are putting pressure on animal numbers so it is important to have the most efficient and profitable cows possible and minimize the number of unproductive animals on the farm.
Despite the challenges we face it is a great time to have pedigree Holstein-Friesian cows and I know our breeders will prosper long into the future. Sincerely Laurence Feeney Chief Executive
Cover Image: Slieverue Olivia Eimear 6 – Sired by Glenn-Ann Palermo.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Spring/Summer 2023
Bred and owned by Sean Begley & Family in Dingle, Co Kerry.
IHFA Bull Sale 29th March EHRC Conference 26th - 29th Apr Emerald Expo 29th April AGM 10th May Judges Conference 26th - 27th May Pure Friesian Open Day 29th June IHFA Open Day 11th July YMA National Calf Show 25th - 26th Jul
She was scored EX94 at the end of 2022 by John Kirby, she is their first 94 point cow and was their first 93 point cow before this classification.
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The image was taken by Donncha O’Siochru.