A taste of Fleckvieh in Co. Tipperary
Dairy farmers are getting the opportunity this week to see how Fleckvieh dairy cows are adding value to farm systems in Ireland.
Originating from Austria, Fleckvieh cows are becoming a desirable breed in Ireland due to their strong milk production capabilities, and high quality calves.
In years where milk prices are so poor, the 'beefier' breed stays on par with typical dairy cows in terms of production, but continues to soar when it comes to selling strong quality beef calves.
With any change, you sometimes have to see it to believe it - fortunately, you can see it this week.
Fleckvieh farm walk
Fleckvieh Ireland and Celtic Sires have teamed up to organise two farm walks showcasing the breed.
The first walk will take place this Wednesday (June 10) in Burncourt, Cahir, Co. Tipperary.
The walk will be on the farm of John and Chloe Caplice, kicking off at 1:30p.m.
The Caplices are milking 142 Fleckvieh-cross cows on a 230ac farm.
John traditionally milked a herd of British Friesian cows, but the herd is now mostly half and three-quarter-bred Fleckvieh.
Meanwhile, all replacement calves are now Austrian Fleckvieh crosses.
They rear 70 calves each year, selling 40 of them before winter while further fattening the additional 30.
The second walk will take place on the farm of Conor Meade in Templemore, Co. Tipperary on Thursday (June 11).
The Meade family, who are milking 197 cows, will kick off Thursdays walk at 11:00a.m.
The herd is made up of Fleckvieh x Holstein x MRI cows.
The MRI breed is a red and white cow, with MRI standing for the names of the three river basins in where the breed originates from - Meuse, Rhine, and Ijssel.
With more than 10 companies in attendance, as well as an Austrian expert to demonstrate 'FLECKSCORE', Austria’s system to focus on the key physical features of cows that are best for longevity and high production, the day is not to be missed.
The organiser have asked that anyone interested in the event to email their intention of attendance to [email protected] or ring the following number: 057 93 24577.
