Founded in the early 1970s, Hallow Holsteins is widely regarded as one of the most successful show herds in the Holstein Friesian breed. Over the years the herd has claimed just about every major title there is in Ireland, as well as exporting animals which went on to reign supreme at some of the biggest shows across Europe.

Owned and run by Philip and his wife Linda, the farm at Killowen in Gorey, Co Wexford, comprises 120 acres of land, on which they run the Hallow Holstein Friesian herd.

They are assisted by their two children, Will and Kate, who are both heavily involved in the showing business.

In the early years, the farm comprised of a mixed Friesian herd, but moved to a full pedigree herd through selective breeding and imports. Having taken over the farm in 2013, today Philip runs about 100 cows in the Hallow herd.

Show champions

There are few who can rival Hallows success in the showring in recent years. In October 2025, Hallow Octain Twizzle ET EX93 won the supreme champion at the AXA National Dairy Show in Millstreet, having triumphed at the National Livestock Show in Tullamore in August.

Not to be outdone by her companion, Hallow Denver Twizzle claimed the reserve supreme champion at the 2025 Baileys Cow Competition in Virginia Show, only to be beaten by her comrade, Annaghmore Fitz Atlee, who also clinched the interbreed dairy championship at Balmoral in May for the Jones family, who co-own her with the Richardson family in Co Armagh.

RUAS success

The Jones family was aiming for its third supreme interbreed championship in a row at the Royal Ulster Winter Fair in December and two in a row for Hallow Octain Twizzle, only for the show to be canceled due to the bluetongue outbreak.

Another win at the RUAS would mark an incredible eight overall title for the Hallow herd.

At the RUAS Winter Fair in 2023, the Jones family won the supreme champion with the fourth-calving cow, Hallow Solomon Twizzle 3.

As well as their showring success, Hallows have also excelled in the sale ring. In 2021, Hallow Diamondback Twizzle 159 sold for the top price of €11,025 in the Dalevalley Sky-High Protein sale.

The following year, Hallow Jordy Twizzle 1681 Red topped the same sale at €10,200.

One of the herds greatest accomplishments was in 2016, when Hallow Atwood Twizzle EX94 sold to Italy, where she went on to win the National Italian Show after claiming first prize at the prestigious European Championship Show in Colmar.

Cow families

Much of the herds success is down to the breeding objectives and policies utilised within the herd. Philip believes in focusing on the best cow families from around the world.

“The majority of the genetics in the herd today came from America and Canada. We try to source genetics from the best cow lines available,” he said. Some of the well-known cow families at Hallow are the Twizzle, Fame, Atlee, Caught a Vibe and Embrace.

“In recent years we have looked to breed high production females with good milk solids and excellent type. We do not use any indexes in the herd, instead we focus on bloodlines and cow families.”

Milk production

At present, milk production is at about 10,000kgs, with Philip hoping to extend to 12,000kgs in the years to come. Butterfat stands at 4.4%, with protein at 3.5%.

With such a tremendous show record, the Jones family have no problem getting customers for their cattle.

“We sell bulls and heifers all across Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK. We also sell a lot of embryos across Europe.”

When asked about what he thinks the future holds, Philip believes efficiency will improve over the coming years, as breeders focus on quality animals.

“I would expect the national average for milk to increase with a lot more farmers looking for higher quality animals, especially with better genetics, prices increasing and derogation ending.

“Our aim over the next five years is to improve the quality of the herd through focusing on higher producing cows and using genetics from the world’s leading cow families,” Philip added.

It is quite evident the Jones family is passionate about what it does and its success to date is not by chance. It is also very clear they are on the hunt for more national titles, the question is who can stop them in their tracks.