.
Liam Leen, Johnny O’Hanlon, Noel Scanlon, Leo O’Connor, Gerladine Harty, Pat Ryan at the launch of Kerry Herds Friesian Breeders Club Competition with herd sponsor Dairymaster took place in Causeway. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD.
CAUSEWAY was bustling with activity recently when the Kerry Holstein Friesian Breeders Club hosted the IHFA Judges Conference at Barron’s Agri Trading.
In addition to an already busy schedule, the Kerry Club launched their herds competition at the event, alongside herds competition sponsor Dairymaster.
Speaking at the launch, CEO John Harty said; “We are privileged to sponsor and support the Kerry herds competition again this year. I admire their work ethic and wanting to try new things, being the first club to host the judges conference is testament to their commitment, they must be commended.”
Continued below…
.
The herds competition aims to promote good production and conformation in Holstein Friesian herds.
There are two categories, spring and autumn, which are subdivided into senior, intermediate, junior, novice pure friesian and new entrants’ sections with 1st, 2nd and 3rdprizes in each category. Prizes include:
• Best overall cow based on KG’s of protein production
• Highest herd percentage protein
• Lifetime production cow
• Highest conformation herd & production herd
• Lowest Somatic Cell Count
• Best overall heifer, junior cow and senior cow
• Highest overall EBI herd
• Cow families
• A Pure Friesian Class
“I would like to thank Dairymaster for the work and dedication they have given to the club,” said Leo O’Connor Chairman of the Kerry Holstein Friesian Breeders Club.
“They are always very supportive, even providing a mobile milking unit for the judges conference which is much appreciated. The herd’s competition has grown significantly over the last few years and this year we are taking it a step further with the introduction of an international judge. This will bring a new and different perspective to the competition, and we are really looking forward to it.”
This year for the first time, Mick Gould of the worldwide recognised Woodmarsh Herd from Shropshire in the UK will judge the senior, intermediate and junior section, while Sylvia Helen, Eedy Herd will judge the novice section, new entrants and Friesian section.
The competition is open to pedigree herds and all entries are to be sent to Geraldine Harty, Herds Competition Coordinator, Ballylongane, Ballyheigue.
Judging will commence on the 3rd of July for Mick Gould and at an earlier June date for Sylvia Helen, with the awards ceremony held on Thursday 6th July at Hughes Bar, Cordal.
The clubs field evening/stock judging will take place at Sean Begley’s farm Slievrue Herd, Gurrane, Dingle on Sunday afternoon 25th of June.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
