The weather certainly is challenging this Spring, week after week of rain and storms. Let’s hope we see a bit of normality soon and in the meantime let’s all stay positive as we get close to March. Cows have been grazing daily but on 3-hour breaks, ground is far from ideal, but we are adamant we want grass in the cows’ diet. (more…)
“Bryan Kingston (ICBF) discusses the improvements to dairy genomic evaluations this Spring”
Genomic selection has contributed significantly to the increased rate of genetic gain in EBI, through the more accurate identification of genetically elite males and females. The current rate of genetic gain in EBI is €10/year. (more…)
The ‘Stockbull Finder’ is a sales tool on www.icbf.com designed to help farmers around the country in sourcing Stockbulls from herds with excellent levels of data recording. (more…)
We are delighted to present you with the breed packs for this year’s Spring Dairy Gene Ireland programme. Now in its 16th year, the program has delivered over €200 million to Irish dairy farmers through increased genetic gain. (more…)
Calving is well & truly here at Rathard Holsteins. The herd has just hit its due date and the next week to ten days should be really hectic. We synchronised our heifers for breeding in 2019 using a CIDR program and with 75% of those now calved, it has been very successful. (more…)
A Poster Session was held at the ICBF and Sheep Ireland Genetics conference on Friday the 17th January at the Heritage Hotel. The Poster Session allowed researchers to present and discuss their current research with attendees at the conference.
Rathard Holsteins is a 180 cow, grass-based herd situated in Aherla Co. Cork. The herd has expanded from 50 cows pre EU quota removal, with future ambitions to remain at current cow numbers whilst gaining efficiency through genetic gain, with a constant focus on ensuring sustainability. (more…)
February 4th, 2020: ICBF in collaboration with the Hynes family in Aherla, Co. Cork, today announced the launch of their #FutureofFarming campaign. (more…)
Eoghan McCarthy from Milltown, Co. Kerry took the top spot in the over 100 cow herd category in the Dairy FBD and ICBF competition. (more…)