Launching the annual Herds Competition for 2026 were William Horgan, Farm Owner, Roisin O’Regan, Dairymaster, Geraldine Harty KHFBC, Johnny O’Hanlon KHFBC and Noel Scanlon Dairymaster.THE Kerry Holstein Friesian Breeders Club has officially launched its annual Herds Competition for 2026.
The launch was held on the farm of William Horgan, Killeen, Killarney, with Dairymaster returning as main sponsor.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Killarney and Williams herd grazing the fields, this location was the fitting choice, as William is also a previous winner of the National Herds Competition.
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Speaking at the launch, Dairymaster representative Pat Ryan said; “Dairymaster is delighted to continue supporting the Kerry Holstein Friesian Breeders Club Herds Competition. The standard of herds and the commitment from breeders continues to grow year after year, and the competition is a great opportunity to recognise that hard work. It also provides a valuable chance for farmers to meet, share ideas and celebrate the strength of the dairy sector in Kerry. We wish all entrants the very best in this year’s competition.”
The competition is divided into spring and autumn calving categories, with each section split into senior, intermediate, junior, novice and new entrants, offering 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes.
This year there will be a greater emphasis on conformation and the use of co-op reports.
Awards include:
• Best overall cow based on protein KG
• Highest herd protein percentage
• Lifetime production cow
• Best conformation & production herd
• Lowest Somatic Cell Count
• Best overall heifer, junior cow and senior cow
• Highest overall EBI herd
• Cow families
This year’s judges are Tommy Screene for Senior and Intermediate sections, and John O’Connor for Junior, Novice and New Entrants.
Johnny O’Hanlon, Chairperson from the Kerry Holstein Friesian Breeders Club commented; “We’re looking forward to another strong year for the Herds Competition and to seeing the high standards being achieved by breeders across the county. The competition continues to be a valuable opportunity for members to showcase their herds, exchange ideas and gain insight from experienced judges. We’re also sincerely thankful to Dairymaster for their continued sponsorship and support of the competition each year.”
The competition will run in early July. And closing date for receipt of entries is Friday 12th June.
The competition is open to pedigree herds. Entries should be sent to Geraldine Harty, Herds Competition Coordinator, Ballylongane, Ballyheigue, Co. Kerry, (087) 816 8281.
