The 2026 IHFA Focus Farms represent a diverse range of production systems.

Among them are spring-calving and split-calving herds, grass-based enterprises and higher-output systems, family farms with generations of breeding history, and younger farmers building ambitious businesses of their own.

While their systems differ, they all share a common belief in the value of pedigree breeding, performance recording, and making decisions with the long-term in mind.

Across every farm, genetics remain central to progress.

From traditional Pure Friesian breeding programmes to advanced embryo transfer and genomic testing, each farmer is focused on breeding cows that combine fertility, functionality, longevity and production.

Technology, sustainability and labour efficiency are also becoming increasingly important, helping these farms adapt to changing industry challenges while maintaining profitable and resilient businesses.

Paddy and Michael Quealy - Grenan Herd, Co. Waterford

For four generations, the Quealy family has cultivated a reputation for strong breeding, disciplined management and a commitment to producing quality dairy stock.

Today, Paddy, Michael and the next generation continue that legacy through the Grenan herd, a Pure Friesian enterprise run on an impressive 630ac block.

Although the herd only formally entered Pedigree Breeding in 2005, the family had been breeding many of their own replacements long before then.

The move towards a closed pedigree herd brought improvements in disease control, herd uniformity and long-term genetic progress.

Milking 209 cows producing over 7,100kg of milk and 563kg of milk solids, the Grenan herd operates a tightly managed spring-calving system with fertility and efficiency at its core.

Careful grazing management, disciplined feeding and a focus on proven Friesian genetics have helped create a herd that consistently delivers while remaining suited to the farm's environment.

Brian, Hazel and Mark Grey - Watchorn Herd, Co. Kildare

Watchorn Farm has been woven into the agricultural fabric of its community since 1937.

Today, Brian and Hazel Grey, together with their son Mark, oversee a pedigree dairy enterprise that successfully combines traditional breeding values with modern business innovation.

The transition into pedigree breeding began in the 1990s and every cow now carries the Watchorn prefix.

Strong maternal lines, careful sire selection and a commitment to recording have built a herd that balances production, fertility, and longevity.

The family's entrepreneurial spirit is evident through Graze Dairy, their developing value-added enterprise featuring milk vending machines and artisan dairy products.

This direct-to-consumer model allows the family to connect with local customers while showcasing the quality of their milk.

Operating a split-calving system, the Watchorn herd maintains excellent milk solids performance while also focusing on fertility and management efficiency.

Recent investment in activity-monitor technology highlights a willingness to embrace innovation while remaining firmly rooted in sound breeding principles.

Ronan Siochru - Dingle Herd, Co. Kerry

Since returning home to farm at a young age, Ronan Siochru has steadily transformed the Dingle herd into one of the highest-performing herds in the Focus Farm programme.

Located on the Dingle Peninsula, the farm faces unique weather challenges including high rainfall and an extended housing period.

Rather than allowing those factors to limit production, Ronan has designed a system built around quality forage, careful nutrition and genetics capable of thriving in local conditions.

Technology plays a key role through activity monitoring and herd management systems, while all heifers are genotyped to strengthen breeding decisions.

Ronan's breeding philosophy centres on components, type, fertility and strong pedigree lines.

By combining practical experience with a willingness to adopt new technologies, he has created a herd focused on long-term efficiency and profitability.

Shane, Gerard, and Roseann McHugh – Knockmullen Herd, Co. Leitrim

The Knockmullen herd at Fenagh represents a blend of tradition, pedigree breeding and forward-thinking management.

Managed by Shane McHugh alongside his parents Gerard and Roseann, the farm combines dairy and pig enterprises while maintaining a strong focus on genetic improvement.

Shane's previous experience as an IHFA classifier and field development officer has influenced the herd's direction.

A major development for 2026 is the move to a fully spring-calving system.

The objective is to improve grass utilisation, simplify labour requirements and enhance work-life balance while strengthening production performance.

The family's breeding programme places significant emphasis on health, fertility, milk solids, classification and genomic information.

The result is a herd of functional cows designed to excel in a pasture-based spring-calving environment.

Melvin and George Masterson – Boroside Herd, Co. Cork

Pedigree breeding and innovation go hand in hand at Boroside Holsteins.

Managed by Melvin and George Masterson alongside their father George, the business has evolved into a progressive 130-cow pedigree dairy operation.

Alongside the dairy enterprise, Melvin’s Masterscan Embryo Transfer has become an important part of the business, providing embryo services for clients while accelerating genetic gain within the herd itself.

Embryo transfer, sexed semen, activity monitoring and advanced herd management technologies now play central roles in the breeding programme.

The herd averages almost 9,000kg of milk and 739kg of solids, demonstrating the impact of careful breeding and consistent management.

Denis O'Leary – Clochrua Herd, Co. Cork

At Clochrua, Denis O'Leary has built a dynamic dairy enterprise centred on genetics, grazing and efficiency.

Having steadily expanded the herd over several decades, Denis now milks 170 cows in a highly productive spring-calving system.

Pedigree breeding has been part of the farm's strategy since 2000, with breeding decisions guided by milk solids, fertility, health traits and functional type.

Grass remains the foundation of the production system and Denis places significant emphasis on pasture quality and grazing management.

Strategic supplementation supports performance without compromising grass utilisation.

Rather than focusing solely on expansion, Denis's priority is improving efficiency, profitability and sustainability.

Through careful management and continued investment in genetics, the Clochrua herd remains well positioned for future success.

Focus farms

Across all six farms, a common theme emerges: success is not defined by herd size or production system, but by clarity of purpose and consistency of management.

Whether operating highly specialised breeding programmes, embracing advanced reproductive technologies, refining grass-based systems or diversifying their businesses, each farm demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement.

Farmers will have the opportunity to meet the 2026 IHFA Focus Farmers at this year's Focus Farm Walks.

The first event will take place on Wednesday, August 26, at the Watchorn Herd of Brian, Hazel and Mark Grey near Naas, Co. Kildare.

The second will be held on Thursday, September 3, at Denis O'Leary's Clochrua Herd near Blarney, Co. Cork.

Talks at both events will commence at 11:30a.m. All are welcome.