IHFA Young Members Association

Who we are...

The YMA (Young Members Association) is the young breeders section of the IHFA (Irish Holstein Friesian Association). The YMA is an organisation which is open to everyone, aged twenty six and under, who is interested in the Holstein Friesian breed and dairy cattle in general. First and foremost, the YMA is about making friends and having fun with people of similar interests. The Association also aims to develop the skills necessary for its members to become the next generation of successful Irish dairy farmers and breeders. Every year, they organise events throughout the country encompassing many different activities.

and what we do ...

Trips & Tours

Regional and national club trips are held every year. Members visit farms and other attractions, both in Ireland and overseas. These trips offer great chances to see fantastic cows and to learn from the experiences of others. Of course the social aspect plays, as always, a key part in the success of the tours!

Nights Out

Apart from regional nights out, such as barbeques, bowling, (attempted) ice-skating and paint balling, (which always draw a good crowd,) the national YMA also organises nights out for the older members which are held right across the country and are always a roaring success!

Stock-Judging

The YMA is fantastic for all the aspiring judges of the future! Members are instructed and mentored on how to tell a good cow from a great cow by former members, who now are judging at home and abroad. The YMA have numerous competitions throughout the year with top class prizes for those involved. YMA members come away with calf halters, YMA t-shirts, showing equipment and much more!

Clipping & Showmanship Demonstrations

Clipping and showmanship demonstrations are organised several times a year by regional clubs to show and give valuable experience and guidance to the YMA members allowing them all to compete to the highest possible standards. The national YMA also organises the sensationally successful clipping weekend in Pallaskenry where YMA members from all across the country learn the tricks of the clipping and showing trade from Ireland’s best and most successful.

Calf Show

Every year members of the regional YMA clubs have a show of calves which have been prepared by the YMA members. The top two calves of each class are on the club YMA team which then compete at the YMA national Final in Kilkenny. It is a fantastic way to meet new people and even start showing.

Showmanship Classes

These are special competitions in which members are judged on their skill in showing off a calf in the show ring to its best advantage. It’s easier than it sounds and you really have to feel the atmosphere in Cillin Hill, Kilkenny (where the calf and showmanship Show is held) to understand the buzz that accompanies the biggest event of the YMA’s calendar.

If this taste of the YMA has whet your appetite, check out their facebook.com page, “IHFA Young Members Association” or look us up on bebo.com/young-members-assoc.

Reasons to join:

Educational & Enjoyable

Develops interest & enthusiasm

Develops a stockman’s eye

Organise own events

National Calf Show

Qualification for European Young Breeders School

Club Calf Shows

YMA Workshops

Field Evenings

Stockjudging

Public Speaking