Kerry Holstein Friesian Breeders Club launches herds competition
The Kerry Holstein Friesian Breeders Club has officially launched its annual herds competition, which celebrates the club's 50th anniversary this year.
The launch took place recently at the coastal farm of Peter and Eileen Kennelly in Akeragh, Ardfert, along with the competition's main sponsors, Dairymaster.
The competition is divided into spring and autumn calving categories, with each section split into senior, intermediate, junior, novice and new entrants, offering first, second and third place prizes.
Organisers have said that this year there will be a greater emphasis on conformation.
The awards for this year's herds competition include:
Best overall cow based on protein kilogrammes;
Highest herd protein percentage;
Lifetime production cow;
Best conformation and production herd;
Lowest Somatic Cell Count (SCC);
Best overall heifer, junior cow and senior cow
Highest overall Economic Breeding Index (EBI) herd
Cow families.
This year's judges are Andrew and Jane Whittaker of the Knowlesmere Herd in the UK for the senior and intermediate sections.
Tommy Screene, Windfield Herd, Co. Galway is the judge for junior, novice and new entrants.
(L-R) Mary Mulvihill Dairymaster, Mark and Cora Corridon KHFBC, Roisin O' Regan Dairymaster, Peter Kennelly KHFBC, Tim McEllistrim KHFBC
Image: Domnick Walsh Eye Focus LTD
Tim McEllistrim, Kerry Holstein Friesian Breeders Club president said that the club is excited for another fantastic year ahead.
'It's great to see the club continue to grow with new members. We encourage more people to get involved — there's so much to learn about your herd through feedback from our expert judges.
'We're also very grateful for Dairymaster's ongoing support as we keep raising the bar,' he said.
Speaking at the launch, Dairymaster representative Noel Scanlon said: 'It's a pleasure to be involved once again with the herds competition, especially in a milestone year for the club'.
'The dedication and enthusiasm shown by its members is what makes this event so special.
'It not only celebrates excellence in dairy farming but also brings the community together. We're proud to support that spirit and wish all competitors the very best,' he added.
The competition is open to pedigree herds. Entries should be sent to Geraldine Harty, herds competition coordinator, Ballylongane, Ballyheigue, Co. Kerry (087) 816 8281.
The awards ceremony takes place on Friday, June 27 at the Ballyroe Lodge Hotel.
The club's open day will be held on Sunday, June 1 on the farm of Ronan Sugrue, Dingle.
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