The Macra na Feirme/Ornua dairy stockjudging title is heading to Muskerry this year after Alan Twomey of Donoughmore Macra was crowned champion at the Irish Holstein Friesian Association open day in Ardcath, Co Meath.

Nora Cushen from Portlaoise Macra, Co Laois, was runner-up in the senior competition while in the under-23 section Conor Lehane from Crossmahon Macra, Carbery, came out on top with Aoibheann Murphy from Donoughmore Macra finishing second ensuring a double celebration for the Muskerry club at the Ornua finals. The dairy stockjudging competition takes the form of an academic test followed by the score-marking in order of merit of a pen of heifers and a pen of cows. Competitors are also interviewed on their overall grading of the animals and must answer questions on the technical aspects of dairy farming.

Skills

Speaking at the event, Macra na Feirme president James Healy said: “This is a fantastic competition and one that is very useful to farmers looking to improve their skills in assessing dairy stock. It was wonderful to see so many participants on the day from all over the country and having it during the IHFA open day always adds to the event. I would like to congratulate all who took part and sincerely thank our excellent hosts the IHFA and our sponsors Ornua for their ongoing support of this competition. It is very much appreciated.’’