The IHFA Focus Farm series was designed to highlight the diverse farmers that make up the IHFA membership and celebrate their herds and farming systems.
Two Open Days will feature six pedigree farmers sharing their farming story. The IHFA extends an invitation to all to gain an insight into pedigree breeding.
Focus Farm Open Days
After an extremely successful first Focus Farm Open at the Toberfort Herd of Edward Fitzgerald, Co. Limerick, the IHFA look forward to welcoming all to the second Open Day at Joe Healy’s Copperbeech Herd, Co. Meath. Date: Thursday, September 12, 2024.
Farming with the future in mind is a common thread uniting three diverse pedigree herds across Ireland, each with its unique challenges and strengths.
From the lush pastures of Co. Cork, to the rugged landscapes of Donegal and the traditional British Friesian stronghold in Carlow, the O’Keeffe, McKeague, and Dempsey families are not just preserving the legacy of their farms, they’re shaping a sustainable future.
Clover – a legacy of strength and adaptation
Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Newmarket, near Kanturk, Co. Cork, the O’Keeffe family’s Knockavilling farm has a rich history, with milk records dating back to 1911.
Under the Clover prefix, James and Áine O’Keeffe, alongside their children, JJ (aged 12) and Mary (aged 8), manage a herd of 110 cows, with a focus on functional type and milk quality.
The farm, which has been in the O’Keeffe family for four generations, faced a turning point in 1999, when a young James O’Keeffe was given the choice to either take the helm or sell the farm.
James chose to continue the family tradition, and over the years, he has carefully managed the herd, transitioning from a strong Friesian influence, to incorporating Holstein genetics to boost milk output per cow.
This strategic breeding approach focuses on longevity, milk solids production, and strength, ensuring that the herd can endure the demands of Knockavilling’s extensive grazing platform.
In addition to their breeding innovations, the O’Keeffes have recently introduced polled genetics, a nod to animal welfare and future-proofing the herd.
With an eye on sustainability, the farm utilizes a zero grazer on its heavy soil types, and this year, the family plans to enhance on-farm infrastructure with a new shed and expanded slurry storage facilities.
Inishowen – embracing technology and tradition
Far to the north in Culdaff, Co. Donegal, the McKeague family’s Inishowen herd represents the northernmost pedigree herd in Ireland.
Established in 1977 by Wesley McKeague, the 100-strong herd is now managed by Wesley’s son, Ian, with invaluable support from his wife, Lisa, their three daughters, and Wesley, who remains active on the farm at 78-years-old.
The Inishowen herd is characterised by its rigorous breeding strategy, with a strong emphasis on health and fertility.
Ian’s use of sexed semen to breed replacements from the best cows has resulted in impressive conception rates, enhancing the herd’s genetic progress while reducing the number of dairy-bred bull calves.
With an average Health Sub-index of €29 and a Fertility Sub-index of €80, the 2024 bull team reflects Ian’s commitment to breeding cows that are not only productive but also resilient.
The McKeagues’ dedication to milk quality has been recognized with awards from Aurivo Co-Op, where they supply milk, including the prestigious Lowest TBC Liquid Milk Herd award for 2023.
This success is a testament to their meticulous management, from winter feeding through to the precise calving schedule designed to meet their liquid milk contract.
Barrowvale – sustainability and the British Friesian Legacy
In Co. Laois, Oliver Dempsey, alongside his wife Kate, daughter Emily, and father Michael, maintains the Barrowvale herd, a name synonymous with the British Friesian breed.
Although smaller in scale, with 30 cows, the Barrowvale herd is a model of sustainability and customer-focused breeding.
The Dempseys’ approach is rooted in the strengths of the British Friesian breed, balancing milk production with fertility, health, and hardiness.
This year, Oliver is selecting proven outcross sires with the highest Economic Breeding Indexes (EBIs) to meet customer demand for both heifers and bulls.
The herd’s genetics are sought after, with five Barrowvale bulls currently available through AI companies nationwide.
Technology plays a key role at Barrowvale, with SenseHub Collars and Tags providing real-time data for heat detection and reproductive monitoring.
Oliver’s recent completion of The Diploma in Environment, Sustainability and Climate underscores his commitment to sustainable farming practices. His plans to oversow paddocks with clover, optimise slurry usage, and install solar panels highlight the farm’s forward-thinking approach to environmental stewardship.
Farming for the Future
The O’Keeffe, McKeague, and Dempsey families each bring a unique perspective to pedigree farming in Ireland.
Whether it’s through innovative breeding strategies, the integration of technology, or a commitment to sustainability, these farmers are ensuring that their herds—and their farms—will thrive for generations to come.
