The word was out that the mountain herd was a pure Friesian herd worth seeing. The herd had successfully competed in the finals of the National Herds Competition, winning second place in the spring section in 2016 and third place in 2017. The herd also secured first place in the Friesian Club’s herds competition in 2016 and 2017.

Family farm

Three generations of the Spillane family are all involved. Michael, along with his wife Sandra and his family have developed the herd since taking over from his father, Sean, 22 years ago. The herd is homebred, built on cow families notably the Aileen’s, Rosie’s, Petula, Averil, Dixie and Gloria.

The total area farmed is 135 acres in total consisting of four separate parcels. Stocking rate on the milking platform is 1.2cows/ac. Herd production average last year was 8,157kg milk, 3.8% fat, 3.6% protein and 607kg milk solids. The mature herd is averaging 675kg milk solids, while the average calving interval was 367 days with an average lactation length of 313 days.

77% of the herd classified in the top two grades on the Irish Holstein Friesian Association classification system, very good (VG, 85-87 points) or excellent (EX, 90-97 points), with all heifers classifying between 80 and 86 points. Out of the 13 highest classified pure Friesian cows in Ireland, nine are in the Mountain herd, with the highest classified homebred cow Mountain Tormore Aileen EX94 5E.

Herds competition sponsored by Zurich Insurance

The results of the Irish Pure Friesian herds competition were announced with presentations made to the top three herds on the day. The results were as follows:

  • 1st – Micheal Spillane, Mountain herd.
  • 2nd – Peadar Healy, Firoda herd.
  • 3rd – Pat Cleary, Carrickshock herd.
  • 4th – Trevor Dudley, Kilsunny herd.
  • 5th – Michael Dempsey, Barrowvale herd.
  • 6th – Francis Fitzgerald, Gortfadda herd.
  • Highest economic breeding index (EBI) - Michael Dempsey, Barrowvale herd.

    Sales Report

    There was brisk demand for the best young stock on offer from the Mountain pure Friesian herd on the day of the sale.

    The combination of high production, protein, longevity, fertility and overall conformation was the setting for an afternoon sale that had quality on offer. Dairy farmers from across the country were in attendance and voted with their pockets.

    Thirty-two lots were on offer as well as six embryos. There was a full clearance with some very top prices paid.

    The average for 20 calves sold settled on €1,570, while the average for 12 in-calf heifers was €2,750. Embryos didn’t see quite as much of a demand, with six lots selling to an average of €625.

    The top price was lot 23 which made €4,600. This in calf heifer Mountain Martell Rosie 13 was from the renowned Rosie family at the Mountain herd.

    She is bred by Barrowvale Martel12 from Mountain Frosty Rosie 2 EX92 3E - now on her seventh lactation. Her grand dam and great grand dam are both EX classified with both recording nine lactations and excellent protein up to 4.06%. 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.