IHFA

Kerry Club Bull Sale
2022-04-14 10:30 - 14:30 UTC
46th Annual Bull Show & Sale at Gortatlea Mart on Thursday 14th of April 2022

Corristoona Herd Dispersal Sale
2022-04-09 12:00 - 15:00
Corristoona Herd Dispersal Sale is being held in Roscommon Mart on Saturday 9th of April at 12 noon sharp.
Comprising 90 cows, 19 maiden heifers and 20 calves which are all AI bred.
All queries to Michael Taaffe auctioneers 086 2545132 or John Carley on 087 9053437.
Proceeds from the sale of one maiden heifer will be donated to Hospice on the day of the sale. Full catalogue available here –
https://issuu.com/taaffeauctions/docs/carley_sale_april_2022_web

YMA - Getting back to basics - Skills Refresher
2022-04-02 10:30 - 16:30
‘Getting back to basics, a skills refresher’ is a workshop for IHFA YMA members.
It will be held on Saturday 2nd April at Gurteen Agricultural College, Ballingarry, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary at 10.30am.
There will be an demo on preparing an animal for showing
Washing
Clipping
Leading
Showmanship
Talk on farm safety
Contact 023 8833443

Fortlands Herd Dispersal Sale
2022-03-31 11:30 - 18:00
Fortlands Herd of James O’Connor is holding a dispersal sale from Kilmallock Mart on Thursday 31st March at 11.30am.
160 head are on offer including 70 fresh calved, 20 incalf autumn calves, 27 breeding heifers, 30 heifer calves, 2 stock bulls and 10 in calf spring calvers.
Herd averages – 7,626kgs milk, 3.71%bf, 3.29%pr, 261 scc, 545kgs combined solids
View full catalogue HERE
All enquiries – 063 98050

IHFA Premier Bull Show & Sale
2022-03-30 10:00 - 17:00
The IHFA Premier Bull Show & Sale is being held at Central Auctions, Nenagh Livestock Mart on Wednesday 30th of March 2022.

Cork Club Production Sale
2022-03-25 10:00 - 16:00
Cork Club Production Sale is taking place on Friday, March 25th at Corrin Mart, Fermoy, Co. Cork.

Curtles Herd Sale
2022-03-21 12:00 - 15:00
Curtles Herd Sale is taking place online from the farm on Monday 21st of March at 12 noon sharp.
Viewing by appointment on marteyeballyjamesduff or contact John Tevlin on 086 8205371
View sale catalogue by clicking here

Greenlaw Herd Sale
2022-03-12 11:30 - 15:00
Greenlaw Herd of Gerard and Mairead Curtin & Sons is being held on farm, Eircode V92 P3F2, on Saturday 12th March at 11.30am sharp.
For full details and catalogue, CLICK HERE

Kerry Club Heifer Sale
2022-03-10 10:00 - 14:00
The Annual Kerry Club Heifer Sale is being held at Gortatlea Mart on Thursday 10th March.
There are 35 lots on offer, all pedigree registered calved and in-calf heifers.

Donegal Club Heifer Sale
2022-03-02 10:00 - 15:00
The Donegal Club Heifer Sale is being held at Raphoe Livestock mart, Co. Donegal on Wednesday, March 2nd at 10am – 3pm

Bull Sale Entries - Closing date
2022-02-28
The Breed Development Committee has limited entries to four bulls per exhibitor.
Entries close MONDAY February 28th in order to allow for inspections. Entry forms and conditions here
However, the Association reserves the right to further restrict or accept additional entries per exhibitor with reference to prevailing market conditions & protein %.
Entry forms and conditions here
Post / Fax entries to: IHFA, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
Email entries to: events@ihfa.ie (provide animals tag no, your phone no & any footnotes)
IHFA PREMIER BULL SHOW & SALE 2022
Live streaming of Sale with Online Bidding facility.
NENAGH LIVESTOCK MART, WEDNESDAY 30TH MARCH 2022
All entries catalogued will be promoted in IFJ as a Genomic Sale
Entry forms and conditions here

Ashberry Herd - Dairy Clearance Sale
2022-02-15 11:30 - 13:30
Dairy Clearance Sale on behalf of the Moore family Ballymacarbry. 100 P.B.freshly calved cows. All Genotyped. Herd in top 3% on EBI. Selling in Cashel Mart on Tuesday the 15th of Feb at 11:30.Further info Contact Cashel Mart 062 62500.
Click here for sales catalogue.

Coradonagh Herd Dispersal Sale
2022-01-11 11:30 - 13:30
Coradonagh Herd Dispersal Sale will be held in Ballyjamesduff Mart on Tuesday 11th of January 2022 at 11am.
Lots comprising 30 females. For sale catalogue, click here.
All enquiries to Eugene on 086 3842056.

Monamore Annual Draft Sale
2021-10-30 10:00 - 15:00
Tom, Rhona and James Kelly of Monamore Herd will hold their annual draft sale on Saturday 30th October in Carnaross Mart, Kells, Co. Meath A82 AP90

Mohoncross Young Stock Sale
2021-10-23 10:00 - 15:00
Jerry Hegarty of Mohoncross Herd, Churchcross, Skibbereen, Co. Cork, is holding an on farm sale of young stock on Saturday 23rd of October.

National Dairy Show
2021-10-21 18:30 - 21:30, 2021-10-20 18:30 - 21:30
The National Dairy Show is going virtual again this year. It will be held over two evenings and will comprise of stock judging, discussion and trade insights. For a full look at the event schedule visit https://nationaldairyshow.ie/agenda/

Brookfield Herd Young Stock Sale
2021-10-20 12:00 - 15:00
The Brookfield Herd of Andre Revington, Co. Westmeath will be held at 12 noon sharp on Wednesday October 20th from Carnaross Mart, Kells, Co. Meath A82 AP90.
Sale catalogue available to view here

Lisduff Sale 2021
2021-10-09 09:00 - 15:00
The Lisduff Sale 2021 is being held at Cork Marts, Corrin, on Saturday, 9th October 2021
The sale comprises 155 lots, including freshly calved, spring calving heifers and heifer calves.
Viewing from 9am on the day. Sale at 12 noon, sharp.
It is also possible to Bid On-line through LSL Livestock Live App – https://www.livestock-live.com
Ringside capacity will be in line with guidelines on the day of the sale.
For full sale information see the sale catalogue below.

43rd IHFA Premier Bull Show and Sale
2021-08-20 08:00 - 17:00
The IHFA Premier Bull Show and Sale is being held at Nenagh Livestock Mart on Wednesday 28th March. Judging begins at 10.30am and the Sale starts at 12.30pm.

43rd IHFA Premier Bull Show & Sale
2021-08-20 08:00 - 17:00
92% Clearance with average of €3,100

Champion Mountfarna Jetway with breeder John O’Callaghan on halter, pictured with Charles Gallagher IHFA CE and Kathleen Watson, IHFA President.

Strong demand from buyers ensured a very brisk trade at the IHFA Premier Bull Sale. There was a 92% clearance rate with an average price of €3,100. 26 bulls were present with 24 bulls sold on the day. Buyers from across the four provinces made the journey in pursuit of sourcing a top calibre Holstein Friesian sire for the breeding season. Quality bulls with a balance of conformation, production, protein and cow family performance was in demand.
Champion – Mountfarna Jetway owned by John O’ Callaghan sold for €6,100
Reserve – Mountfarna Jetstream owned by John O’ Callaghan sold for €5,300
Honourable Mention – Monamore Dresden 2 owned by James Kelly sold for €3,000
All bulls were pre-inspected following IHFA qualification criteria for production and conformation standards. All bulls were genotyped with parentage verified through DNA. Highest EBI presentations were awarded to the top bulls in the three showing classes.
My thanks to Pat Frawley, Croagh Herd, for doing the honours of judging. He placed strong emphasis on feet & legs and also selected bulls for dairy strength.
Champion, Mountfarna Jetway is bred from a VG87 dam with the next three dams all scored EX (Excellent) on conformation. His dam Mountfarna Seaver Fay produced 989kgs milk solids in her 2nd lactation.
Reserve Champion Mountfarna Jetstream is backed by a high protein maternal line. His dam, Mountfarna Twist Posy VG87, has averaged 3.54% protein with two lactations over 10,000kgs milk. His grand dam has protein to 3.76%.
Henry O’ Keeffe, Radney herd had a very successful outing achieving an average price of €3,550. Radney Raymond sold for €5,200. Bred from the Odetta family he is backed by an EX91 3E dam and EX93 7E grand dam having protein to 3.90%. The Odetta family has been very successful for the O’Keeffe family with numerous bulls purchased for AI. Sired by Mr. Grey this September born bull is +0.03% protein P.T.A.
Radney Neymar, Lot 1 in the sale sold for €3,400. Both his dam Radney Ramos Bella VG87 and grand dam Radney DUT Bella EX90 have protein over 4.00%.
There was strong demand for Monamore breeding with Monamore Varnish (lot 4) selling for €3,100 and Monamore Dresden 2 (Honourable Mention) and Monamore Rintintin both selling for €3,000.
An overview of other prices includes;
•Lisnalty Magul 28 (Lot 22) owned by Paul Hannan was 1st in his class and sold for €3,600.
•Mountfarna Real Deal (lot 20) owned by John O’ Callaghan sold for €3,300.
•Hallow Zzle (lot 11) owned by Philip & Linda Jones sold for €3,100. Dam Hallow Advent Twizzle EX96 4E was Supreme Champion Emerald Expo, Baileys Champion and IHFA Champion Cow 2016.
•Reary Kidd (lot 28) owned by Kevin Flynn sold for €3,100. Bred from three generations of EX dams with Reary Norah 190 EX91 (dam) having protein to 4.06%.
•Hallow Diamondbrace (lot 2) owned by Philip & Linda Jones sold for €3,000. Grand dam Desmond Dundee Embrace EX95 is former Supreme Champion Royal Ulster Winter Fair.
•Mylawn Dan The Man (lot 13) owned by Michael Healy sold for €2,600. He is a half-brother to the AI sire Mylawn Fintan (FR2420).
My thanks to Denis Barrett, Auctioneer and Central Auctions, Nenagh Mart, for use of the premises. Thanks to John Kirby – steward, IHFA and mart staff.

45th Annual IHFA Premier Bull Show & Sale – Entries Open
2021-08-20 08:00 - 17:00
Rickey Barrett with last year’s Champion bull
Entries are now open for the 45th Annual IHFA Premier Bull Show & Sale.
IHFA PREMIER BULL SALE STANDARDS OF ENTRY
NENAGH LIVESTOCK MART, FRIDAY 3RD APRIL 2020
All entries catalogued will be promoted in IFJ as a Genomic Sale
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
• All entrants must be within 60 day TB test
• All animals must be BVD tested
• Bulls showing visible signs of ringworm will not be allowed to compete
MINIMUM STANDARDS OF ENTRY
• Both the dam & g. dam must be classified GP83 or better
• The dam to have a minimum of 600kgs combined fat & protein (total solids)
• Dam on 1st lactation (heifers), a minimum of 500kgs combined fat & protein will qualify
• Pure Friesian dam to have a minimum of 500kgs combined fat & protein (total solids)
• Pedigree Certificates must be issued for all entrants.
• All bulls must be positive on EBI
CLASSES
• Holstein Friesian Classes (born between August 2018 & Feb 2019) (These entries will be divided equally into 4 classes)
• EBI Award in each class
PRE-INSPECTION
All bulls will be pre-inspected before the sale to determine that they are of a quality standard for a Premier Sale.
ENTRIES
To facilitate any extra information, an exhibitor who so wishes may submit any extra relevant information and up to a maximum of three photographs. This information will be printed opposite the bull’s pedigree.
Complete this form and Post / Fax entries to: IHFA, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
Email entries to: cgriffin@ihfa.ie (provide animals tag no, your phone no & any footnotes)
Ownership details will be catalogued in accordance with CMMS data.
Entries close FRIDAY 28th FEBRUARY in order to allow for inspections.
ENTRY FEE = €50. If you wish to include an ‘Extra information page’ in the catalogue, there is an additional cost of €30 per page. (Fees will be taken by direct debit)
The Breed Development Committee has limited entries to four bulls per exhibitor. However, the Association reserves the right to further restrict or accept additional entries per exhibitor with reference to prevailing market conditions & protein %.

IHFA Premier Bull Show & Sale – Bulls for Sale
2021-08-20 08:00 - 17:00
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and the precautionary measures necessary to ensure public safety, the IHFA Premier Bull Show & Sale has been cancelled. To accommodate the breeders and make available these high quality pedigree registered Holstein Friesian bulls, we are posting the details of these bulls here for view. Click HERE for a list of lots and see the SALE CATALOGUE for further details.
If you are interested in purchasing stock from this sale, please contact our field officers to be put in contact with the breeders or email the IHFA office on enquiries@ihfa.ie. Contact numbers for the field officers are as follows –
John Kirby – 086 1702040, Paul Boal – 086 3838648, Shane McHugh – 086 0583922

46th Annual IHFA Premier Bull Sale
2021-08-20 08:00 - 17:00
IHFA Premier Bull Show and Sale line up 2019
This year’s IHFA Premier Bull Sale will be different to previous years, in a number of ways. As we are still mindful of the presence of COVID-19, a number of restriction will be in place. The sale will be streamed live with online bidding. The showing element will not form part of the day.
However, we are pleased to announce that the IHFA Premier Bull Show will be held at Nenagh Livestock Mart and online on Wednesday 31st March 2021. Entry for this sale is now open to IHFA members and entry forms can be found HERE. The closing date is Monday 1st March. This is to allow time for each of the bulls to be inspected ahead of the sale.

IHFA Premier Bull Show and Sale line up 2016

STANDARDS OF ENTRY
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
• All entrants must be within 60 day TB test
• All animals must be tested BVD negative (Animal Health Ireland National BVD Programme)
• Bulls showing visible signs of ringworm will not be allowed to compete
MINIMUM STANDARDS OF ENTRY
• Both the dam & g.dam must be classified GP83 or better
• The dam to have a minimum of 600kgs combined fat and protein (total solids in one laction)
• Dam on 1st lactation (heifers), a minimum of 500kgs combined fat and protein will qualify
• Pure Friesian dam to have a minimum of 500kgs combined fat and protein (total solids)
• Pedigree certificates must be issued for all entrants.
• All bulls must be positive on EBI
• Age criteria – bulls born between July 2019 & Feb 2020 (These entries will be divided equally into 4 classes)
COVID 19 Regulations & ICOS Mart protocol procedures

No Show – ICOS mart Covid 19 protocol with online bidding facility.
Controlled viewing of Bulls in the mart penning area in advance, with social distancing and designated time frame, subject to approval by management.

PRE-INSPECTION
All bulls will be inspected before the sale to determine that they are of a quality standard for a Premier Sale.
ENTRIES
To facilitate any extra information, an exhibitor who so wishes may submit any extra relevant information and up to a maximum of three photographs. This information will be printed opposite the bull’s pedigree.
Entries close Monday 1st of March in order to allow for inspections.
ENTRY FEE = €50. If you wish to include an ‘Extra information’ page in the catalogue, there is an additional cost of €30 per page. (Fees will be taken by direct debit)
The Breed Development Committee has limited entries to four bulls per exhibitor.
However, the Association reserves the right to further restrict or accept additional entries per exhibitor with reference to prevailing market conditions & protein %.
Enter here TODAY
Post entries to: IHFA, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
Email entries to: cgriffin@ihfa.ie (provide animals tag no, your phone number & any footnotes)
Ownership details will be catalogued in accordance with CMMS data.

46th IHFA Premier Bull Sale – Catalogue
2021-08-20 08:00 - 17:00
The 46th IHFA Premier Bull Sale will be held live online from Central Auctions, Nenagh Mart on Wednesday 31st March, 12.00 noon sharp.
25 bulls with superior health status
60 day TB tested
Exceptional quality bulls, pre-inspected
Sire verified
All genomically tested
Register to bid before the sale on livedenisbarrett.com or through the Martbids App
Pre-sale viewing can be arranged by contacting the mart on 067-31360
Please observe mart covid protocols and observe social distancing
Preview the sale catalogue below

46th IHFA Premier Bull Sale – Sale Report
2021-08-20 08:00 - 17:00
Monamore Revvup, top priced bull with James Kelly on the halter
There was an 84% clearance rate at the 46th IHFA Premier Bull sale which took place today, March 31st.
The average price across the board was €3,690.
Monamore Revvup (Lot 8) topped the sale, selling for €5,740 for owners Tom & James Kelly, Monamore herd, Drogheda.

Radney Wazza, second highest priced bull with Liam O’Keeffe on the halter

Radney Wazza (Lot 15) was the next highest price, selling for €5,432 for owners Henry & Liam O’ Keeffe, Freemount Co. Cork.

Mountfarna Dallas, joined-third highest bull with John O’Callaghan on the halter

The next highest price of €5,227 was achieved by two bulls; Mountfarna Dallas (Lot 2) owned by John O’ Callaghan, Bandon Co. Cork and Monamore
Quorum (Lot 12) also sold for €5,227 for Tom & James Kelly, Monamore herd.
The sale was conducted online by Auctioneer Denis Barrett and the venue was Central Auctions, Nenagh mart.
The trade was very strong with brisk bidding throughout the sale.

Pure Friesian Open Day, hosted by the Dunum Herd
2021-08-20 08:00 - 17:00
Charles Gallagher, CE IHFA makes a presentation to Martin & Paddy Crowe, of the Dunum herd, hosts of the Irish Pure Friesian Open Day

Martin Crowe addressing some of the gathering at the Open Day

Paul Hennessy, Roches Feeds, Sponsors, Tom Julian, Cappawhite, Co. Tipperary, winner of the Senior Stockjudging with Kevin Flynn, Judge & Charles Gallagher, CE IHFA

A Family Tradition- Pure Friesian Breeding over Four Generations at Dunum !
Large crowds gather in Doon for a showcase of Pure Friesian breeding
The Crowe family farm, DOON, Co Limerick on a gloriously sunny Summer day was the setting for the Irish Pure Friesian Open Day on July 18th last. A large crowd in excess of 500 people were treated to a walk through the impressive “DUNUM” pedigree Pure Friesian herd.
Charles Gallagher, Chief Executive and Tom Murphy, President of IHFA welcomed everyone to the Open day.
Everyone received a great welcome and there were no end of refreshments, teas and coffee’s available all day.
Father and son Paddy and Martin&family farm in partnership milking 100 cows Spring calving pedigree pure Friesians.
This is the fourth generation to milk Pure Friesians.The Crowes resisted the temptation to use Holstein Genetics when it was the trend to do so back in the 1980’s and 1990’s. This has served them well producing very impressive results.
The “Dunum” Herd was founded in the spring of 1953. Timothy H. Crowe bought 3 pedigree cows: Ballylane Wallflower, Connello Jess and Example Farm Snowdrop. The herd is located in East Limerick at Carrigmore, Doon. The land has a limestone base contributing to a well drained farm. It is nestled at the foot of the Slieve Felim mountains overlooking East Limerick. The grazing block consists of 36ha which presently supports 102 Spring Calving Pedigree Registered Pure Friesian cows, filling a 609,000L quota for Kerry Agribusiness. Almost all of the milking platform has been reseeded in recent years. All of the latest grazing technologies are utilised, commencing with the spring rotation planner, followed by the weekly grass wedges and culminating with the autumn rotation planner. This is facilitated by software from Agrinet.
The farm has undergone a major investment programme over the last number of years with new housing, slurry storage and a new 20 unit Dairymaster milking parlour installed in 2009.
The herd average for 2013 was 6,696kg 4.38 % Fat 3.51% Protein, 529kg milk solids.
The average production for 4th + lactation was 7,333kg 4.43 % Fat 3.53 % Protein 580kg milk solids.
IHFA Type classification is an integral service towards herd management. Currently there are 11 cows classified EX (Excellent) and a further 38 classified VG (Very Good).
The herd average EBI is € 158. The calving interval in 2013 was 377days and the average SCC was 112.
All Heifer calves are reared as replacements and bulls are reared for breeding with approx 50 breeding bulls sold annually.
Emphasis on herd health is an area of priority, the bulk milk is screened quarterly for a range of diseases and cows are tested twice yearly for Johnes. This level of testing and monitoring is an important management aid in maintaining a healthy trouble free herd.
Martin, although very busy managing a Pedigree herd of Pure Friesians also finds time to run a successful Agricultural Consultancy business.
Master Judge for the Stockjudging competition was Kevin Flynn,”Reary”Herd,Clonaslee, Co Laois. Competitors listened eagerly as Kevin outlined his placings and reason giving in the Heifer, Junior Cow and Senior Cow classes. Kevin complimented the quality of the animals in the stockjudging and remarked that these and the rest of the herd were a tremendous exhibition of Irish Pure Friesian breeding.
Martin then on behalf of the family welcomed everyone to the Open Day and followed up by outlining the breeding and cow family background on the herd.
Lisa Ring, ICBF gave an outline of the excellent performance of the herd in terms of fertility-Calving Interval 377 days and a six week calving rate of 75%. Milk Solids average at 529Kgs per cow.
Francis Fitzgerald, Secretary of the Pure Friesian club thanked the Crowe family for hosting the Open Day. He acknowledged the quality of the herd and commented that the family had worked extremely hard in getting the herd to its current level.
Martin Crowe, Chairman, thanked everyone for coming on behalf of the Irish Pure Friesian club. He recounted that the family have always held a special affinity for Friesian breeding ever since Tim Senior established a milking herd in 1953. Martin thanked Charles Gallagher, C.E. and the staff in IHFA for their help in organising such a successful day.
The Chairman also thanked Master Judge Kevin Flynn and all the sponsors in particular Roches Feeds who were the main sponsors, also trade stand holders for their support.
Charles Gallagher, C.E. thanked the Crowe family for being wonderful hosts of the event. He thanked the Pure Friesian club for their help in the lead-up to and on the day. Charles noted that the Irish Pure Friesian was very much an important element within IHFA as the Black & White breed offers wide genetic diversity. He remarked on the need to reflect later maturity in milk production of the Pure Friesian in the EBI formula. The Mature cows were producing 50Kgs extra of milk solids above the herd average.
This characteristic is a major benefit of Pure Friesians in addition to reflecting the renowned easy care, dual purpose benefits of the breed.
Presentations were made to the Crowe family by Richard Whelan, Chairman of IHFA.
Stockjudging Results:
SENIOR:
1. Tom Julian, Cappawhite, Tipperary, Co. Tipperary
2. Eddie Barrett, Lehenaghmore, Cork, Co. Cork
3. Liam O’Brien, Birr, Co. Offaly
UNDER 18:
1. Rory Hannon, Fedamore, Co. Limerick
2. Brian Long, Thurles, Tipperary, Co. Tipperary
3. Bill Hannan, Crecora, Co. Limerick

Pure Friesian Open Day 2016 – Launch
2021-08-20 08:00 - 17:00
Pure Friesian Open Day – Coolmohan, Araglin, Kilworth, Co. Cork.

Everyone is welcome to the Pure Friesian Open Day, taking place on the farm of Pat and Nora Flynn on Wednesday 22nd of June. The day will comprise stockjudging, awards presentations and a talk by Pat Flynn on his five times, Top EBI, award-winning herd of Pure Friesians.
Directions
From the M8, go through Kilworth village and contiue out the Ballyduff / Lismore road, passing the school on the right. At the first 4 cross roads, turn left and the farm will be signposted from here
GPS: +52° 11’ 33.35”, -8° 10’ 59.32”

Looking forward to the Pure Friesian Open Day which takes place at the Flynn farm in Coolmohan, Araglin, Kilworth on Wednesday 22nd June are, l-r: Alec Bryan and Liam Curran, (IHFA), Tom Baker (Eurogene), Nora and Pat Flynn (open day hosts) and Charlie Gallagher, CE IHFA. (by John Ahern)

Richard Quane, left, Dairy Master and Noel Scanlon, (3rd left), Dairy Master, pictured with, l-r: Alec Bryan, Nora Flynn, Pat Flynn and William Ryan at the press launch for the forthcoming Pure Friesian Open Day

Lending their support to the Pure Friesian Open Day press launch at the Flynn farm in Coolmohan, Araglin, Kilworth were, l-r: Padraig French, Alec Bryan, Nora Flynn, Pat Flynn, Dr. Pat Dillon (Teagasc Moorepark) and Charlie Gallagher (CE IHFA). (John Ahern)

Sale Report – Pure Friesian Open Day 2017 – Mountain Pure Friesians
2021-08-20 08:00 - 17:00
There was brisk demand for the best young stock on offer from the Mountain Pure Friesian herd, hosts of the IHFA Pure Friesian Open day on the 19th July. The quality of the cows in the herd was awesome and great examples of farmer-friendly, easy care cows. The combination of high production, protein, longevity, fertility and overall conformation was the setting for an afternoon sale that quality was on offer. Dairy farmers from across the country were in attendance and voted with their pockets.
32 lots were on offer as well as 4 embryos. There was a full clearance with some very fancy prices paid. The average for calves (20 lots) was €1,570. The average for incalf heifers (12 lots) was €2,750. The average for embryos (6 lots) was €625.
The top price was lot 23 which made €4,600. This is an incalf heifer Mountain Martell Rosie 13 from the renowned Rosie family at the Mountain herd. She is bred by Barrowvale Martel12 (VML) from Mountain Frosty Rosie 2 EX92 3E – now on her seventh lactation. Her GDam and GGDam are both Excellent with both recording nine lactations and excellent protein up to 4.06%. Tracing back three generations of excellent.
Other lots include:
Lot 26 – Mountain Rancher Aileen 3, sold for €4200
Lot 31 – Mountain Firtell Averil 2, sold for €3300
Lot 27 – Mountain Firtell Averil, sold for €3100
Lot 32 – Mountain Hylke Dixie 2, sold for €3100

Grenan Pure Friesians – Irish Pure Friesian Club Open Day – Cancelled
2021-08-20 08:00 - 17:00
Michael and Patrick Quealy & family Grenan Pure Friesian herd, will host the Pure Friesian Club Open Day, which is pow postponed until 2021. Farming together as a partnership since the early 1990s, brothers Michael and Patrick are tremendous exponents of the Friesian breed. Their modern and progressive family farm is a fitting host of this special annual showcase event for the breed. Located just off the N25 Waterford-Dungarvan road with the villages of Kilmacthomas and Kilmeaden in near proximity, the farm is very conveniently placed in terms of location.

Beef from the Dairy herd compliments the farming enterprise
Dairying has always been a main focal point for the farm. Michael and Patrick are bringing sharper focus on breeding emphasis in recent times, implementing defined breeding plans, making select key purchase of cow families and also adopting IHFA classification service to help achieve desired herd production and quality benchmarks.
An interseting and currently topical aspect of the farm is the beef enterprise, which is run side-by-side the dairy herd, where all male calves born are reared for finishing and sold to the factory under 30 months of age. Michael rears the calves and manages the beef unit on an outside block. The impressive performance of the dairy herd in annual productivity, in combination with the successful beef enterprise, amounts to a very efficient farming system overall. It is testament to the unique attributes of the Pure Friesian.

Grenan Cait 3033 GP80 (first lactation) and Grenan Bea 2344 EX91 exhibited at Piltown Show 2019

Longevity a strong feature of the Dairy herd
Milk recording performance for the herd last year averaged 6,241kgs milk, 4.01% fat, 3.53% protein, 471kgs milk solids. The maturity and longevity hallmarks of the Friesian are borne out with 4th lactation cows or older making up 50% of the herd. Cows in this bracket averaged 6,689kgs milk, 503kgs milk solids. Today there are 26 cows in the herd of 6th lactation or older including three cows in their 10th lactation and two cows in their 11th lactation.
Grading up the herd to pedigree status was an eye-opener in identifying the legacy breeding impact of cow families. Patrick states that pedigree status attainment was the key driver of grading up. However, there was an added bonus when the grade up process identified the strong cow families underpinning the herd over many decades. Patrick continues,
“Over the years, the herd was always home-bred and we had consistently maintained a high level of records. The depth of breeding of cow families going back several generations sets IHFA breeders apart. This highlights the ability of these cow families to develop naturally into large numbers, owing to good fertility and strong longevity.”
Having adopted IHFA classification service over two years ago, the herd currently includes 63 VG/EX cows in terms of conformation.
“Cow type and quality to suit our farming system is one reason why we started using classification” says Patrick. “As someone conscious of herd production standards and herd quality we want to be moving forward always. The classification inspection gives us powerful, independent information and feedback, which we then apply to our requirements to help achieve our desired outcomes.”

Grenan Adele 2507 VG86

The herd includes a number of strong cow families who consistently perform to a high standard, such as Aida, Rose, Alys, Lady, Chive, Ash, Bess, Lilac, Andrea, Alma, Ruby, Amber, Bea, Cait, Adele and Avril. The following is a brief snapshot of the unique Grenan families.
Grenan IDS Avril 1902 EX 2E & Grenan Avril 2202 EX
2 EX maternal sisters still in the herd with a combined 12 lactations between them to date.
Grenan Avril 2352 VG89 (4th lactation) is a daughter of Grenan Avril 2202 EX.
Grenan Afie 2108 VG 86
Has bred two VG86 daughters to date Grenan Afie 2680 VG86 6,791kgs milk, 3.72% Fat, 3.72% protein 506kgs milk solids (2nd lactation) and Grenan Afie 2494 VG86 6,565kgs milk, 4.00% fat, 3.68% protein, 505kgs milk solids (2nd lactation).
Grenan TIH Adele 1340 EX
Eleven completed lactations to date with protein to 3.81%
Excellent fertility – Calved as a heifer on April 4th 2009 and calved-in on her 11th lactation March 5th 2019!
Her daughter, Grenan Adele 2507 VG86, in her 2nd lactation recorded 6,244kgs milk, 4.39% fat, 3.63% protein, 501kgs milk solids.
Grenan GIZ Adele 2140 VG85
6th lactation recorded yield 7,156kgs milk, 4.15% fat, 3.53% protein, 549kgs milk solids.
Two VG daughters currently in the herd;
Grenan Adele 2540 VG85 3rd lactation 7,576kgs milk, 3.82% fat, 3.73% protein, 571kgs milk solids.
Grenan Adele 2418 VG86 3rd lactation 6,537 kgs milk, 3.83% fat, 3.62% protein, 488kgs milk solids.
Grenan Adele 2270 VG87
4th lactation 6,719kgs milk, 4.36% fat, 3.67% protein, 540kgs milk solids.
Tremendous longevity cow family tracing back to two home-bred BSR maternal sisters who both completed ten lactations.
Grenan Cait 1615 EX 2E
Now in her 10th lactation having had ten calves in ten years. As a heifer she calved-in February 24th 2011 and this year she calved on January 20th!
She has three daughters and one grand-daughter milking in the herd Grenan Cait 2348 VG87, Grenan Cait 2559 VG86, Grenan SVD Cait 2084 and her daughter Grenan Cait 2500 VG85, who’s daughter by Sliabhnamon Champion was shown as a heifer in milk at Iverk Show 2019.
Grenan Bea 2344 EX91
Scored EX in her 4th lactation with EX91 score for both mammary and feet & legs composites.
She is a firm favourite and was successfully exhibited at Iverk Show last year.
Her dam, Grenan Bea 1544 VG88, is still in the herd having completed ten lactations.
Other Bea family members include
Grenan SVD Bea 1903 VG86 4th lactation 7,776kgs milk, 3.90% fat, 3.50% protein, 577kgs milk solids.
Grenan Bea 2207 VG85 4th lactation 8,153kgs milk, 4.08% fat, 3.66% protein, 630kgs milk solids. She currently has two VG daughters milking in the herd;
Grenan Bea 2253 VG85 3rd lactation 6,188 kgs milk, 4.19% fat, 3.65% protein, 485kgs milk solids.
Grenan Bea 2665 VG85 2nd lactation 6,305 kgs milk, 4.00% fat, 3.60% protein, 479kgs milk solids.
Grenan Frans Lady 2455 VG87
4th lactation recorded yield 7,605kgs milk, 3.81% fat, 3.57% protein, 561kgs milk solids.
Her dam Kilsunny Frans Lady VG87 has completed nine lactations in the herd with regular calving intervals and 4.00% fat, 3.56% protein
Grenan Andrea 1814 VG85
5th lactation recorded yield 7,861kgs milk, 3.99% fat, 3.54% protein, 538kgs milk solids.
Her VG86 daughter in her 2nd lactation recorded 6,133kgs milk, 3.83% fat, 3.62% protein, 457kgs milk solids.
Her dam completed ten lactations in the herd – great longevity.
Grenan Bess 2112 EX
4th lactation recorded yield 6,753kgs milk, 4.36% fat, 3.76% protein, 548kgs milk solids.
Grenan SLN Ann 1766 VG86
7 completed lactations to date averaging 6,084kgs milk, 4.66% fat, 3.59% protein, 500kgs milk solids.
Grenan Amber 2089 VG87
4th lactation recorded yield 7,470kgs milk, 4.05% fat, 3.43% protein, 558kgs milk solids.
Her dam completed ten lactations in the herd.
She has bred two VG daughters milking in the herd;
Grenan Amber 2457 VG86 3rd lactation 7,188kgs milk, 3.69% fat, 3.47% protein, 515 kgs milk solids.
Grenan Amber 2580 VG85 3rd lactation 7,030kgs milk, 3.99% fat, 3.54% protein, 530 kgs milk solids.

Jo Quealy with Grenan Shamrock, 2nd place in Calf class at Iverk Show 2019

A farming system in harmony with Biodiversity
The farming system is finely balanced taking performance, nitrates and stocking rate into account. Patrick says that quality is more important than quantity, with the focus on increasing production from existing numbers rather than increasing cow numbers. The environment and possible E.U. policy constraints into the future are recognisable variables that may yet impact all dairy farmers. The farm includes 12 acres of bog. While in the past there had been notions to drain and reclaim this block to increase the grazing platform, a conscientious decision has been made to leave the bog as is to nature signifying a willingness to exist in harmony with the environment and be proactive towards biodiversity.
Quality grass and grass silage is the main feed on the farm. Average meal feeding in 2019 at 850kgs/cow demonstrates the emphasis on grass utilisation.
Patrick’s wife Sinead is at the dairy cutting edge in her own right through her company Virtual Vet. A previous winner of the National Dairy Show’s Innovation Award, Virtual Vet helps farmers with record keeping of animal remedies and treatments in providing assurances of traceability, to help garner value added from the market place.
With all the Quealy family involved on the farm, the excitement is building, and a proud Déise welcome will greet everyone at the Pure Friesian Club Open Day in summer 2021.
Due to the current and evolving situation regarding COVID-19, this event has now been rescheduled for 2021
