The IHFA Winter Journal 2026 goes to print next week, and members can expect their copy in the post around the start of December.

This issue celebrates the people, herds and achievements that shaped the pedigree year.

Women in Farming

We meet four women shaping Irish dairy. Aisling Neville secured a farm lease straight out of college and now sits on the Lakeland Dairies board. Georgina Hynes was crowned Champion Handler at the YMA National Championships at just 13. Miriam Gunn picks her own bulls and helped start a women’s discussion group in the West Midlands. Shannon Porter built The Milk Bar on her family farm in Donegal.

IHFA Focus Farms 2026

We visit the six 2026 Focus Farms: the Grenan, Watchorn, Dingle, Knockmullen, Boroside and Clochrua herds. Each family shares how they farm, their favourite cow families and their advice for young farmers.

A Breeder’s Dream at Cedarmore

A look back at the National Open Day in Kanturk, Co. Cork, hosted by John and Bryan O’Connor and family, including a record breaking Breeder’s Dream Sale and the full National Interclub Stockjudging results.

Show Season

Full reports from the FBD National Dairy Show, where Eedy Doorman Fame became the first Irish bred cow to be crowned Supreme Champion three times. We also cover the Tullamore Show and the Diageo Baileys All Ireland Champion Cow, both won by Coolroehouse Abbott Ann.

Young Members

Reports and results from the FBD National YMA Finals, along with the European Young Breeders School, the Holstein Young Breeders and the Open Junior Show. We also congratulate the winners of the IHFA and Gurteen College Student Bursary, Eanna McDonnell and Richard Casey.

All Ireland Awards

Meet this year’s All Ireland Award nominees, recognising the herds and breeders setting the standard across the country.

Breeding, Genetics and Herd Health

Micheal Nolan of the Coolnamara herd explains why his indoor herd turned to PLI, and ICBF explain how members can get more from genotyping. Izzy Jones writes on embryo transfer, and Animal Health Ireland provides an update on herd health.

Classification

Our Classification Spotlight features the highest scoring animals classified since the last Winter Journal, led by Eedy Doorman Fame EX97. The issue also includes the top classified herds and the full classification lists.

Field Photograph Competition

See the finalists in this year’s Field Photograph Competition across the Heifer in Milk, Junior Cow and Senior Cow classes.

Club News

Catch up on news from clubs across the country, along with YMA Club Notes and the Pure Friesian Club notes and Field Evening report.

IHFA Calendar 2027

The issue also includes the IHFA calendar for 2027, so members can plan the year ahead.

Not a member yet? Join the IHFA to receive the Journal three times a year, along with access to herd book services, classification and member events.