September and the onset of autumn heralds the conclusion of a very busy summer campaign for the IHFA, promoting the Holstein Friesian breed at many events throughout the country. Members have once again been to the fore, helping to showcase the top performance, efficiency and unique genetic variation of the breed at farm level across different farming systems.

IHFA open day

The 2025 National IHFA open day, hosted by the Greenan family, Greenlea herd, Crosshugh, Co Monaghan, on Thursday 10 July was an excellent success. Huge crowds attended on the day, making the journey from near and far. The top-class farmyard, tremendous facilities and the highly impressive performance and quality of the Greenlea herd left a positive impression on all.

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Club events

IHFA clubs – a network structure at local level of like-minded breeders throughout the country – have also enjoyed a very busy summer of promotional events and competitions, helping to give recognition to the performance and achievements of members within the breed.

Focus farm walk

IHFA’s focus farm walk for 2025 took place on the farm of Jim and Brenda Murray, Derrinsallow herd, Birr, Co Offaly, on the 13 August. The six focus farmers profiled throughout this year were the main attraction as they all spoke individually giving a very open, candid and informative outline of the performance of their farm and their pedigree registered herds. The six focus farmers were: Michael McNamara and daughters Rachel and Emma, Barna herd, Newtownshandrum, Co Cork; Maurice Harty, Ballylongane herd, Ballyheigue, Co Kerry; Henry and Sam Dudley, Dekeana herd, Templemore, Co Tipperary; TJ and Ryan Meegan, Munta herd, Knockbridge, Co Louth; PJ Brennan, Monataggart herd, Ballysaggart, Co Waterford; Jim and Brenda Murray and family, Derrinsallow herd, Birr, Co Offaly.

Grade gp service

The IHFA grade up service continues to grow in popularity enabling dairy farmers who have maintained good breeding records over the years to unlock this valuable information and from it attain pedigree (PED) status for their individual herd. Pedigree status can help to open doors in terms of opportunities to help realise added value in overall herd performance.

National Dairy Show

The 43rd AXA National Dairy Show will take place in the Green Glens Arena, Millstreet, Co Cork on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 October.