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Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Beloved Baileys Irish Cream cows from Wicklow to star in new film
The latest offering by the Carlow director is his love letter to Irish produce, featuring surprising discoveries, connections and Irish influences across the globe, from Prince Albert of Monaco's ties to the Guinness family to our underappreciated contributions to wine making. Surprising viewers who think of Ireland as just the home of Guinness and Irish stew, the cast of A Sip of Irish includes a range of artisans and public figures, including Midleton whiskey blender Deirdre O'Carroll, Donegal-based Muff Liquor Co in which Russell Crowe is a proud investor and chefs Anna Haugh and JR Ryall of Ballymaloe, along with Una Healy, Ryan Tubridy, Laura Whitmore, winemaker Michael Flatley (founder of Flatley Whiskey) and Pat Shortt. Easily among the most colourful and captivating characters in the stellar cast, Tinahely farmer Joe Hayden and his herd of Holstein Friesian cows take centre stage in the first segment of the film, which premieres in the Tinahely Courthouse Arts Centre on August 1. Although he has worked with the likes of Ian McKellen and Judi Dench on Quintessentially British, and with Stephen Fry in Sparkling: The Story of Champagne, Frank said that the day spent filming on the unique Baileys Farm, where Joe's cows receive a full spa treatment, will live long in his memory. 'The film celebrates Ireland's contribution to the drinks and culinary world, and I wanted to find surprising stories for familiar products,' Frank began. 'It looks at whiskey, stout, artisan brands like Scraggy Bay and Muff Liquor, and also Bailey's Irish Cream. Ultimately, the film is an entertaining origin story for all those products. 'With Baileys, I thought, we know it's really popular. We know it's 50pc cream. We know it has sold two billion bottles around the world. But what don't we know? Where is it actually made? 'I discovered that the quintessential Baileys dairy farm is called the Baileys Farm in Tinahely, County Wicklow, and there's an amazing, dynamic farmer there called Joe Hayden who has won many awards for his Holstein Friesian cows. 'He has 230 cows that produce the cream for Baileys Irish Cream. He doesn't call them 'his herd' or 'his cows', but rather his 'Bailey's ladies', and he treats them as such. 'You often hear of racehorses being treated better than humans. And in a way, Joe has almost like a spa treatment set up for his cows because his philosophy is that a happy cow is more productive, which is a fact. A happy cow will produce better quality milk. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more 'He plays music to his cows. So, when they're in the milking parlour, the cows have to listen to his taste in music, which is The Killers, Bruce Springsteen, and Coldplay. He had a saxophonist there last week, and they seemed to like it. He thinks it makes them more productive, and he's probably right. 'When I went to the farm, I thought, this is amazing, Joe is a very forward-looking farmer with lots of interesting methods – I must be the first to have come here to put him and the Baileys Ladies on camera. But no, last month he had the Real Housewives of Orange County pay him a visit. So, the secret is out!' Delighted to have contributed to the production, Joe said that it was a privilege to collaborate with 'gentleman' Frank on a project that will place a global spotlight on Wicklow and its long-standing ties to products that have put Irish food and drinks on the map. 'This film is going to be huge for the Baileys Farm, and it's going to be a huge thing for Wicklow and Tinahely,' he said. 'To be featured in such a way, and to get the whole first segment of the film dedicated to us, it's fantastic for the county. 'Frank spent the day down here. He is a very interesting individual, and I really enjoyed working with him. An absolute professional, and a gentleman to boot. 'I wasn't sure how he was going to knit everything together, but the film is very cleverly done. The way Frank has woven the story of the Irish influences into everything from Hennessy to Californian white wine development – he's a very clever guy. I suppose, like in a lot of things, Ireland punches well above its weight. 'I've seen the film a few times, and every time I look at it, I enjoy it more. It's going to be very good for giving Wicklow exposure across the globe and for the business here, and I'm thoroughly looking forward to the premiere.' Just down the road from Joe's farm, Frank and his crew visited St Patrick's Well, which was supposedly visited by St Patrick in the fifth century, and is the most southerly point in Ireland he is known to have travelled to. As Frank explained, the reason he wanted to film there was to establish a connection with Prince Albert of Monaco, who has a paternal connection to the Guinness family on the Grimaldi side of the family. 'We came to shoot in Wicklow because there are two great locations right next to each other that tell very interesting stories that very little is known about,' he said. 'We spoke to Prince Albert in the film, as one of his ancestors married into the Guinness family, so he joked with us that he considers Guinness the family drink! 'Before coming to Ireland, St Patrick was educated at the Lérins Islands, which are just off the coast of Cannes, off the coast of Monaco. 'So in the film, we segue from Saint Patrick's Well in Wicklow to Monaco and Prince Albert talking about how two of his ancestors were the principal abbots of Lérins Monastery, where the monks make really nice red wine to this day. 'Another little-known story is the wine geese, these dynamic Irishmen from Galway, Tipperary and Kildare who left Ireland in predominantly the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries for France and set up vineyards that are still world famous to this day, including Lynch-Bages, Phélan Ségur, and Léoville Barton. 'So, again, of course, we're known for Guinness, stout, and whiskey, but in the film, we say, well, we should be known for wine as well. 'And Hennessy Cognac, as Richard Hennessy was from Cork, and we tell that story of how he ended up in Cognac having fought for the French King Louis XV against the English at the Battle of Fontenoy.' A Sip of Irish will premiere at the Tinahely Courthouse Arts Centre on Friday, August 1, at 8pm. Tickets are €8/€6 and available to the public via An additional public screening will take place on the same day at Carlow County Library at 3pm. There will be a reception sponsored by Baileys at both screenings. The film will be released on digital platforms, including Amazon Prime and iTunes, on August 2.
New Indian Express
18-07-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Karnataka forest department to address cattle grazing in MM Hills with CSR funds
BENGALURU: To address the issue of cattle grazing inside forests, particularly in Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, the Karnataka Forest Department is taking the CSR fund route to empower farmers. As a pilot project, 10 families residing around MM Hills have been selected, and given hybrid cattle breeds like Jersey and Holstein Friesian for dairy activities. They have also been made to sign an undertaking that they will not take their cattle for grazing inside forests, and if found doing so, action will be initiated against them under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Forest Act. The families selected worked as labourers for Tamil Nadu cattle owners, who would take cattle for grazing inside the forest, said former deputy conservator of forests, MM Hills, G Santosh Kumar, who was posted in MM Hills when the project started. The pilot project has been a success so far. Other farmers are also showing interest, after seeing the chosen families earn around Rs 600 daily by selling milk and fodder. 'We are also working to stop the entire chain of breeding and rearing cattle in and around Karnataka forests and selling them at Erode cattle fair in Tamil Nadu and to Kerala's beef market. We are also working with farmer associations to adopt this proposal, where fodder is also being provided under the CSR initiative. Talks are under way with many other corporate firms to divert CSR funds to MM Hills,' a forest official said. The issue of cattle grazing inside MM Hills became a matter of concern after the recent death of a tigress and her four cubs due to poisoning. While the pilot was being done on the ground for a while, it was formally announced on July 16. It has been initiated at a time when the directives of Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre to clear all cattle pens from inside the forest are yet to be fully implemented on the ground. Deputy Conservator of Forests, MM Hills, B Bhaskar said talks are on with various milk unions in Karnataka to create a milk route to help these farmers. The recent veterinary department survey showed that there are over 30,000 cattle and close to 1,500 families that work as labourers to Tamil Nadu cattle owners in and around MM Hills in Hannur taluk.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Govt pushes for Frieswal cattle to boost dairy sector
Panaji: With at least 90 Frieswal cattle at the cattle breeding farm at Copardem, Sattari, the department of animal husbandry and veterinary services (AHVS) plans to enhance the local dairy industry. Indian council of agricultural research (ICAR), Goa, recently held a meeting on the dissemination of high-quality Frieswal cattle germplasm. AHVS director Veena Kumar expressed readiness to collaborate with ICAR to expand its production and distribution statewide. Frieswal cattle—a crossbreed with a genetic composition of 5/8 Holstein Friesian and 3/8 Sahiwal—was developed by ICAR-central institute for research on cattle (CIRC), Meerut, and the defence ministry. It was introduced in 1987 to boost India's dairy stock. They are known for yielding up to 4,000 kg of milk with 4% fat content per lactation over 300 days. Their high productivity and adaptability make them ideal for Goa's dairy farmers. The vision of the Frieswal cattle project is to enhance milk production while maintaining the resilience of indigenous cattle breeds. The Holstein Friesian component brings high milk yield potential, while the Sahiwal infusion ensures better heat tolerance and disease resistance, suited to India's tropical climate. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mulher de 58 anos com rosto de bebê? Passe isso no rosto e veja. aartedoherbalismo Undo ICAR Goa's interface meeting brought together experts and officials to discuss strategies to strengthen collaboration and improve field-level implementation, aiming to boost propagation of the cattle and benefit local farmers. Parveen Kumar, director of ICAR Goa, stressed the importance of ICAR-AHVS collaboration to achieve sustainable development in Goa's livestock sector.
Irish Examiner
09-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Virginia Show opens entries for 2025 Baileys Cow
Diageo Ireland, in partnership with its cream supplier Tirlán, announced the return of the Diageo Baileys Champion Dairy Cow competition at the Virginia Show on August 20, 2025. Celebrating the excellence of Ireland's Holstein Friesian dairy herds, the event remains a showcase of the quality behind Baileys signature ingredient, Irish dairy cream. Attending its launch in Dublin recently minister for agriculture, food and the marine, Martin Heydon, praised the long-running competition as a symbol of pride in dairy farming and the herds behind the 'hero' ingredient in Baileys. Launching the competition, Minister Heydon said the competition was a "proud celebration of the excellence, care and commitment that define Irish dairy farming". "This stand-out event highlights the grass-based dairy breeding practices that our skilled farmers are known for and underpins the success of one of our most iconic global brands and our all-island geographical indication, Irish cream," he said. 'The success of our Irish cream is a testament to the quality of our agri-food sector, which continues to deliver premium produce enjoyed around the world. "I commend Diageo and Tirlán for recognising the vital role of Irish dairy farmers and for continuing to spotlight the best of Irish agriculture through this competition, for showcasing our quality Irish cream globally and for supporting the future sustainability of the agri-food sector. I wish all entrants the very best ahead of this year's Virginia Show.' Shane Kelly, Diageo Ireland Corporate Relations Director, added: 'We are delighted to champion the exceptional quality of Irish dairy cream – the heart of every bottle of Baileys. This annual event is a stand-out moment in the year to recognise dairy breeding practices.' Entry to the Diageo Baileys Cow is open to members of both the Irish Holstein Friesian Association and Holstein NI. The competition's top prize, Diageo Baileys Champion, comes with a cash reward of €3,000 and the Virginia Milk Products Cup Reserve Champion and Honourable Mention will receive €1,500 and €800, respectively. Additionally, the event will feature numerous other category prizes, including Junior Cows in their second lactation, with a total prize fund of €1,550. The popular Best-Heifer-in-Milk category will also offer €1,550, with €750 awarded to the first-place winner. Entries can be submitted online at or by contacting Patrick Gaynor on: 087-2898707. Read More EU gives Irish dairy high marks, but goat ID and cold store gaps need action
Otago Daily Times
08-07-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Brief return south brings rewards
Holstein Friesian New Zealand president Owen Copinga visits Fairleigh dairy farm in West Otago, as part of the association's annual conference. PHOTO: SHAWN MCAVINUE Former Southland dairy farmer Owen Copinga recently returned to the province and left with a top position at Holstein Friesian New Zealand. Mr Copinga and his wife Cathy sold their dairy farm and stud herd Rivendell Holsteins in 2023, ending more than 20 years of dairy farming and breeding Holstein Friesians in Isla Bank. They moved to Te Puke to be closer to family and have since invested in kiwifruit, pine trees, a dairy farm and property. Mr Copinga returned to Southland for the Holstein Friesian New Zealand annual conference in Invercargill last month. At the annual meeting, he was elected president of the association. He was vice-president and treasurer for the three years prior. Now was the right time to take on the top position because he was no longer farming "24/7" and he lived closer to the association's national office, he said. "I've got more time to dedicate to it and there are a lot of industry matters I'm really interested in and I will always have a passion for this breed." The appeal of the breed was it "being dialled-in to converting feed to milk". Holstein Friesian were the best dairy breed to mate a beef sire to, such as Hereford, to produce calves in demand. The 2025 Holstein Friesian New Zealand Awards were part of the conference and Rivendell Sham Beatric-ET 4*ET EX3 SP won cow of the year, which was bred by Mr and Mrs Copinga and was now owned by the Cummings Family Trust, of Wyndham.
