The Copperbeech Herd left attendees in awe on Joe Healy’s farm for the Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) Focus Farm event.
The final IHFA Focus Farm Open Day of 2024 was held on Thursday, September 12 at the Copperbeech Herd in Athboy, Co. Meath.
The event, hosted by Joe Healy, drew a great crowd, including a class of second year advanced dairy students from Ballyhaise College.
The Copperbeech Herd proved to be an ideal location for the event and the Healy family were brilliant hosts on the day.
IHFA Focus Farm
The first board of the day was presented by MSD’s Christy McGuirk and Emma Beirne. They introduced the groups to MSD’s latest technological advancements and their new vaccine, Bovilis Cryrptium.
Five of the IHFA’s 2024 Focus Farmers shared their individual farming experiences and systems with the audience.
Healy was joined by Edward Fitzgerald from the Toberfort Herd, Ian McKeague from the Inishowen Herd in Co. Donegal, and Oliver Dempsey, a pure Friesian breeder from the Barrowvale Herd in Co. Laois and Seamus Knox from the Ballygown Herd in Co. Kilkenny.
Their presentations provided a deep dive into diverse farming practices and strategies, offering invaluable insights for all attendees.
The event also featured a comprehensive classification talk by IHFA classifier, Paul Boal.
Using four cows from the Copperbeech Herd, Boal illustrated the importance of good conformation for the longevity of cattle, emphasising the critical role that classification plays in herd management.
Dr. Patrick Kelly from the IHFA delivered a thought-provoking presentation on his research findings, exploring the correlation between conformation, longevity, and differing fertility indexes in dairy cattle.
The event was complemented by the presence of 10 trade stands, offering a variety of products and services that catered to the interests of visitors.
The day was another invaluable opportunity for learning and networking within the dairy farming community.
All of the farmers had completely different systems, but showcased how different land type, topography and how cows can be made into a profitable system.