Latest news with #IHFA
Agriland
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Agriland
Grass budgeting: Points to consider after a good back end & spring
From a grass budgeting point of view, how did farmers manage after a dry back end of the year last year, which was followed by an exceptionally dry and mild spring? The autumn and back end of 2024 proved very favourable for farmers to leave cows out grazing right up until the start of December for many farms. After the tough spring that was experienced in 2024 and the struggle to get cows out at grass at that stage, most farms were tempted to stay grazing on to make the most out of the good weather and save on silage supplies at the back end of last year. To be fair, when the weather and ground conditions are good, it is hard to pull the plug on grazing, but a balance needs to be struck as you need grass for spring and the milk response to grass in spring is higher. These trends were highlighted at a recent Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) webinar, where Teagasc grassland systems research officer, Dr Aine Murray spoke about 'grass budgeting for milk production'. Grass budgeting Murray highlighted that in the past 10 years, the grazing start date has came back about 10 days earlier while the grazing end date finishes around the same time. On average, farmers have increased their days at grass by about 12 extra days, with the start of the second rotation occurring two days earlier and 'magic day' – where grass growth equals demand – occurring five days earlier, while opening farm cover has increased by about 100kg of DM/ha. The Teagasc researcher said there were lessons to be learned from Paturbase data, mentioning that the average grass production was 13t DM/ha, there was no additional grazed grass allocation per cow and that opening farm cover is too low for the first rotation. One thing she noted was that the feed allowance at grass per cow has increased over the last 10 years, but farmers are not allocating enough grass for cows to meet their dietary requirements and are then dependent on supplementary feed. For a herd producing 5,000kg of milk, with 450kg of milk solids, eating 15kg DM of grazed grass a cow/day while eating 600kg of meal/cow/year, the total feed budget according to Murray would be as follows: 250 days at grass Grazed grass utilised (t DM/cow) 3.8 Silage (t DM/cow) 1.4 Total herbage intake budget (t/cow) 5.2 Concentrate (kg/cow) 600 Based on this type of cow on this type of diet, on a farm growing 13t DM/ha, it would need to have a whole farm stocking rate of 2.2 cows/ha in order to be self-sufficient. We see over the last number of seasons that a lot of farms around the country are over-stocked and not matching their stocking rate with their land's capacity to grow grass, which leads to additional feed being supplemented -a costly approach. Murray added that farms stocked at 3.1 cows/ha on the milking platform during the mid-season should be able to keep growth ahead of demand. Whereas, for farms stocked at 3.5 cows/ha, growth on the farm will only be above demand for 40% of the mid-season. For farms stocked at 4 cows/ha, growth will very rarely go above demand, unless growth surpasses 70kg of DM/day. Targets Murray outlined that peak average farm cover (AFC) will happen around October 1 at around 1,150kg DM/ha, which needs to be managed strategically to make sure there is a closing farm cover of 700kg of DM/ha. Achieving this closing farm cover and not running the farm bare in winter will aid in turning out the cows in early February with an opening farm cover (OFC) of 1,000kg DM/ha, which will also help in ensuring a cover of 650kg DM/ha by the second rotation. This opening farm cover was only achieved by very few farms this year as many farmers may have pushed it a bit too much in the back end. When OFC of 1,000kg DM/ha is compared to OFC of 850 kg DM/ha, the higher OFC will lead to an AFC of 650kg of DM/ha by the second rotation whereas the lower OFC will lead to a 450kg DM/ha AFC by second rotation. When OFC is at 850kg DM/ha compared to 1,000kg DM/ha, there is a 20% reduction in regrowths and 12% reduction in daily growth rates in May. This should be borne in mind for this year as, although it is tempting to continue on grazing in good back end weather, it can have a serious impact on grass supply the following spring and the following rotations when grass is at its most valuable. For now, as we are into the mid-summer months, it is important to remember to continue grazing covers of 1,400kg DM/ha, while maintaining a 160-190kg DM cover/cow. Murray also highlighted that farmers should be aiming to achieve six rotations between April and August, adding that for this to happen, 'farmers need to be proactive and not reactive'.
Bloomberg
15-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Falling Rates Drive Best Month for Brazil Hedge Funds Since 2007
Brazilian assets managers are sticking to bets on falling interest rates after those helped fuel the best month on record for the local hedge fund industry. A hedge fund index known as IHFA, created by capital markets association Anbima, rose 4% in the past month, its best performance since records began in 2007. The reference CDI overnight rate gained 1.1% in the span, marking the first time since November that Brazilian portfolio managers beat their benchmark.
Agriland
14-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
IHFA appoints new national president at club conference and AGM
The Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) held its annual club conference and annual general meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 7:30p.m in the Four Seasons Hotel, Co. Monaghan. This year's event proved to be a particularly memorable occasion, as members from across the country gathered to witness the appointment of Mary Rafferty as the incoming IHFA National President. Rafferty, a stalwart of the Breffni/Oriel Club, had been a cornerstone of the association for over 35 years. Serving as club secretary from 1989-2019, Rafferty's tireless dedication, exceptional organisational skills, and passion for the breed had earned her widespread respect and admiration. Newly appointed IHFA president Rafferty's dedication and hard work is evident from the fact that she is responsible for launching the Emerald Expo Show in the Virginia Show Centre, Co. Cavan during the 1990s. Her hard work did not end there, as she also established cross-border links and supported countless club and national events, playing a central role in the life of the IHFA community. Rafferty's appointment as presidency marked a proud milestone not only for herself but also for the Breffni/Oriel Club, who look forward to welcoming the prestigious National IHFA Open Day at the Greenan Family's Greenlea Herd, Crosshugh, Co. Monaghan on July 10, 2025. The day's programme will feature inter-club and Macra National Stock Judging Competitions, the announcement and presentation of the IHFA National Herds Competition awards, a select young stock sale from the Greenlea herd, and an all-day trade stand exhibition showcasing a wide range of products and services. Former president of the IHFA John O'Sullivan with Mary Rafferty The IHFA AGM also marked the conclusion of John O'Sullivan's presidency, with the association extending sincere thanks to O'Sullivan for his leadership and continued commitment to the Holstein Friesian breed. In addition, Leo Nulty of the North Eastern Club was announced as the incoming president elect for the coming year, a development warmly welcomed by members in attendance.
Agriland
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Agriland
The 13th Emerald Expo title goes to Cork breeders
The much sought after Senior Champion title at the Emerald Expo, in Co. Cavan has been won by Coolroehouse Abbott Ann, exhibited by Paul Murphy and Emma Behan. The Emerald Expo returned to the Virginia Show Centre in Co. Cavan, today(Saturday, April 26). Now in its 13th year at the Virginia Show Centre in Co. Cavan, the programme of events included six championships, classes for Young Members (YMA) handlers, other dairy breeds, young stock classes and in-milk classes. Competitors travelled from every corner of the country to exhibit at Emerald Expo, and the event also boasted strong support from members of Holstein Northern Ireland who competed again this year. The all-dairy breeds cattle show is one of the highlights of the calendar year for breeders. With a substantial prize fund up for grabs today and a lineup of top-quality cattle, the event kickstarted the show season in great fashion for breeders and industry professionals alike. Emerald Expo Emerald Expo Handler aged 12 and under on 1st Jan 2025 Sponsored by IHFA: Georgie Hynes; Eva Hickey; Cody Paul; Harry Witherow; Jamie Paul. Emerald Expo Handler aged between 13-16 on 1st Jan 2025 Sponsored by Cavan County Council: Josh Sinnott; Alexandra Beattie; Kate Jones; Lauren Doran; Adam Torrens. Emerald Expo Handler aged between 17 and 26 on 1st Jan 2025 Sponsored by Breffni Oriel Club: Rachel Corley; Hannah Greenan; Will Jones; Sarah Lyster ; Matthew Flanagan. Emerald Expo HANDLER CHAMPIONSHIP Sponsored by FBD Champion: Champion: Josh Sinnott; Reserve: Rachel Corley; Honorable Mention: Rachel Corley. Classes Emerald Expo Class 1 – Holstein Friesian Heifer born after 1st January 2025 Sponsored by Auctus: Evergreen Lam Lauren – Liam & Sandra Murphy; Euro Sidekick Roxy – Daniel & Emer Curtin; Slatabogie Willows Drizzle Red – Alan & Leanne Paul; Slatabogie Doral Avina Red – Alan & Leanne Paul; Evergreen Susie Mist 70 Red – Liam & Sandra Murphy. Emerald Expo Class 2 – Holstein Friesian Heifer born between 1st Nov & 31st Dec 2024 Sponsored by North Eastern Club: Euro Crushabull Shower – Daniel & Emer Curtin; Cornboro Goldchip Carla – Brian Corley; Ellys Chief Solo Rhapsody – Steve & Maria McLoughlin; Greenlea Adorable Rhapsody – Padraic Greenan 5th: Dalevalley Haniko S Apple 2277 – Roy Cromie; Leagh Hot Little Number Et – Enda Doran. Emerald Expo Class 3 – Holstein Friesian Heifer born between 1st September & 31st October 2024 Sponsored by World Wide Sires: Sbg Parfect C Carlin – Alan & Leanne Paul; Emerald Bullseye Hailstorm – Enda Doran; Slatabogie Bullseye Jasmine – Alan & Leanne Paul; Greenlea Luster Spunky Et – Padraic Greenan; Dalevalley Par Miranda 275 Et – Roy Cromie; Hilldoo Fuel Bonnie 1710 Et – Jason Wilkin. Emerald Expo Class 4 – Holstein Friesian Heifer born between 1st July & 31st August 2024 Sponsored by Moyvalley Meats: Slatabogie Luster Joy 2 – Steve & Maria McLoughlin & Cornboro Holsteins; Rathard Crushabull Sapphire – Peter & Paula Hynes; Dalevalley Ch Mirand 2264 P Et – Roy Cromie; Sizzler Rompen Rouge Red-Et – Peter & Paula Hynes 5th: Sizzler Smokin Ember Et – Liam & Sandra Murphy; Slatabogie Doral Shania Red Im – Richard Whelan. Emerald Expo Class 5 – Holstein Friesian Heifer born between 1st March & 30th June 2024 Sponsored by Progressive Genetics: Slatabogie Energy Twine – Alan & Leanne Paul; Ballyboy Showtime Carmen – Jim Sinnott; Ballywalter Sidekick Victoire – Philip Jones; Slatabogie Willows Beautygirl – Enda Doran; Tubbertoby Lambda Mooju – Paul Flanagan; Seanacourt Fr8592 Orina Red – Denis Donohoe. Emerald Expo Class 6 – Holstein Friesian Heifer born between 1st January & 28th February 2024 Sponsored by Dunmasc Genetics: Euro Bullseye Shower – Daniel & Emer Curtin; Evergreen Eye C Lauren – Liam & Sandra Murphy; Dalevalley Lambda Aiko 2255 – Enda Doran; Slatabogie Roses All Red – Alan & Leanne Paul; Slatabogie Simplicity Bertolli Red – Liam & Sandra Murphy; Tubbertoby Bullseye Franny – Paul Flanagan. Emerald Expo Class 7 – Holstein Friesian Heifer born between 1st March 2023 & 31st Dec 2023 (Not in milk) Sponsored by IHFA: Ellys Kd Rhapsody – Steve & Maria McLoughlin & Slatabogie Holsteins; Evergreen Chief Lustre – Steve & Maria McLoughlin & Liam & Sandra Murphy; Emerald Sta Chief Rhapsody Et – Enda Doran; Croagh Celicia 77 – Peter & Eileen Kennelly. Emerald Expo Class 8 – Emerald Expo Youngstock Confi ned Class (not in milk) – Confined to members of the Breffni Oriel, North Eastern, West Midlands and Donegal Clubs. Open to All Dairy Breeds. Sponsored by Breffni Oriel Club: Dalevalley Ch Mirand 2264 P Et – Roy Cromie; Cornboro Goldchip Carla – Brian Corley; Greenlea Luster Spunky Et – Padraic Greenan; Dalevalley Par Miranda 275 Et – Roy Cromie; Dalevalley Haniko S Apple 2277 – Roy Cromie; Hilldoo Fuel Bonnie 1710 Et – Jason Wilkin. Emerald Expo Junior Championship Sponsored by Denis Barrett Auctions Champion: Champion: Ellys Kd Rhapsody – Steve & Maria McLoughlin & Slatabogie Holsteins; Reserve: Euro Bullseye Shower – Daniel & Emer Curtin; Honorable Mention: Slatabogie Energy Twine – Alan & Leanne Paul. Judging taking place at the Emerald Expo Emerald Expo Class 9 – Colour Breed Heifer born after 1st January 2025 Sponsored by Univet: Coolacork Billi Pactole; Patrick & Edwin Gaynor. Emerald Expo Class 10 – Colour Breed Maiden Heifer Sponsored by Cavan County Council: Euro Victorious Prance – Daniel & Emer Curtin; Ransboro Waterloo Rose 46 – Peter & Eileen Kennelly; Clandeboye Knight Fantasia – Patrick & Edwin Gaynor. Emerald Expo Class 11 – Colour Breed In-Calf Heifer Sponsored by Univet: Rathard Choco Khaleesi – Peter & Paula Hynes Emerald Expo Junior Coloured Breed Championship Sponsored by Dunmasc Genetics Champion: Champion: Rathard Choco Khaleesi – Peter & Paula Hynes; Reserve: Euro Victorious Prance – Daniel & Emer Curtin; Honorable Mention: Ransboro Waterloo Rose 46 – Peter & Eileen Kennelly. Emerald Expo Class 12 – Colour Breed Heifer in Milk Sponsored by Jersey Cattle Society of Ireland: Rathard Chocochip Kali – Peter & Paula Hynes; Cornboro Ferdinand Anita – Brian Corley. Emerald Expo Class 13 – Colour Breed Cow in Milk Sponsored by Jersey Cattle Society of Ireland: Rathard Kasey – Peter & Paula Hynes Class 13A – Fleckveigh Heifer/Cow in Milk Sponsored by Celtic Sires: Luppo – Thomas O'Harte; Sahara – Thomas O'Harte; Maide – Thomas O'Harte. Coloured Breed Championship Sponsored by Cavan County Council Champion: Champion: Rathard Kasey – Peter & Paula Hynes; Reserve: Rathard Chocochip Kali – Peter & Paula Hynes; Honorable Mention: Luppo – Thomas O'Harte. Emerald Expo Class 14 – Confined Heifer in Milk Sponsored by Virginia Show: Tubbertoby Sidekick Terry – Mervyn Eager; Ardvarnock Hanans Cosmo – Ian Witherow; Damm Diamondback Royalty – G&D Simpson. Emerald Expo Class 15 – Junior Holstein Friesian Heifer in Milk (Calved before 3 Years Old) Sponsored by Norbrook: Jones Lambda Fame – Gary & Izzy Jones; Greenlea Hurricane Isa – Padraic Greenan; Ardvarnock Hanans Cosmo – Ian Witherow; Damm Diamondback Royalty – G&D Simpson; Greenlea Lambda Pledge 1848 – Padraic Greenan. Handlers at the Emerald Expo Emerald Expo Class 16 – Senior Holstein Friesian Heifer in Milk (Calved before 3 Years Old) Sponsored by Tirlán: Slatabogie Lambda Flower – Alan & Leanne Paul; Emerald Lambda Ashlyn – Daniel & Emer Curtin; Dalevalley Lambda Miranda P Et – Roy Cromie. Emerald Expo Intermediate Championship Sponsored by Tirlán Champion: Slatabogie Lambda Flower – Alan & Leanne Paul; Reserve: Jones Lambda Fame – Gary & Izzy Jones; Honorable Mention: Greenlea Hurricane Isa – Padraic Greenan. Emerald Expo Class 17 – Senior 3 year old Holstein Friesian Cow in Milk born between 1st Jul '21 – 30th Mar '22 (2nd lact) Sponsored by FBD: Slatabogie Doral All Rich Red – Alan & Leanne Paul; Cornboro Chief Jazz – Brian Corley; Eedy Rubicon Acclaim – Peter & Paula Hynes; Tobbertoby Haniko Chris – Paul Flanagan; Damm Rager Eve 2 – G&D Simpson; Damm Mogul Adeen – G&D Simpson. Emerald Expo Class 18 – Confined Holstein Friesian Cow in Milk Sponsored by Irish Farmers Association: Damm Impression Beth – G&D Simpson. Emerald Expo Class 19 – 4 yr old Holstein Friesian Cow in Milk born between 1st Jul '20 & 30th Jun '21 Sponsored by IHFA: Coolroehouse Abbott Ann – Paul Murphy; Knowlesmere Jones Unix Victoir – Jones & Knowlesmere Holsteins; Tubbertoby Haniko Joyus – Paul Flanagan. Emerald Expo Class 21 – Mature Holstein Friesian Cow in Milk born before 30th Jun '19 Sponsored by Univet: Evergreen Susie Mist 26 Rc – Liam & Sandra Murphy; Peak Solo Rhapsody – Steve & Maria McLoughlin. Emerald Expo Class 22 – Highest Holstein Friesian EBI Animal, judged on conformation Sponsored by Progressive Genetics: Damm Impression Beth – G&D Simpson; Greenlea Hurricane Isa – Padraic Greenan; Rathard Kasey – Peter & Paula Hynes; Peak Solo Rhapsody – Steve & Maria McLoughlin; Cornboro Chief Jazz – Brian Corley; Tubbertoby Haniko Joyus – Paul Flanagan. Class 23 – The Production Class: judged on conformation – confined to cows having produced over 50,000kgs of milk or 3000kgs lifetime combined fat & protein Sponsored by FBD was won by Peak Solo Rhapsody – Steve & Maria McLoughlin. The Best Group of Three Females owned by Exhibitor sponsored by Tirlán was won by G&D Simpson, Thomas O'Harte in second and Alan & Leanne Paul in third. The Best Udder Sponsored by TP O'Reilly Best udder was won by Damm Impression Beth – G&D Simpson. The Red & White Championship Sponsored by Norbrook Champion was awarded to Slatabogie Doral All Rich Red – Alan & Leanne Paul. The premier Breeder Sponsored by Tirlán Premier Breeder was awarded to Alan & Leanne Paul. Emerald Expo Exhibitor Bred Champion Sponsored by IHFA Exhibitor Champion was awarded to Slatabogie Doral All Rich Red – Alan & Leanne Paul. Emerald Expo Supreme Champion Sponsored by FBD Champion: Coolroehouse Abbott Ann – Paul Murphy; Reserve: Slatabogie Doral All Rich Red – Alan & Leanne Pau; Honorable Mention: Damm Impression Beth – G&D Simpson.
