Fermanagh Farmers Host Charity Dairy Showcase Event
Fermanagh farmers recently convened at Redhouse Holsteins in Benburb for a charity dairy showcase event. Hosted by the Irwin family, this gathering emphasized breeding innovation and attracted a large audience despite the cold weather.
Details of the Charity Dairy Showcase Event
The event centered on the World Wide Sires Progeny Showcase, highlighting the milking daughters of five exceptional bulls: Taos, Cirrus, Conway, Renegade, and Pazzle. These genetic lines have played a pivotal role in enhancing the Redhouse herd.
Participants were able to observe these remarkable cows in milk and evaluate traits such as:
- Production capacity
- Structural strength
- Longevity
This practical demonstration offered insights into the results of long-term breeding strategies.
Insights from Industry Experts
David Irwin discussed how involvement in the World Wide Sires NxGen breeding program has improved herd performance. This program emphasizes creating balanced cows that thrive in commercial farming settings, which aligns with local farmers’ goals of enhancing efficiency while safeguarding animal health.
International guest speaker Jeff Ziegler, Vice President of Dairy Cattle Breeding at Select Sires, presented insights on the Herd Health Profit Dollars (HHP$) index. This index focuses on key factors such as:
- Fertility
- Health
- Production
- Functional traits
By shifting away from traditional single-trait selection methods, the HHP$ index aims to optimize overall herd performance.
Community Engagement and Charity Support
The charity event also included a fundraising auction and raffle benefiting Air Ambulance Northern Ireland. This service is vital for rural communities like Fermanagh, and the local participation was crucial for the event’s success.
Key details of the event include:
| Hosts | Irwin Family |
|---|---|
| Location | Redhouse Holsteins, Benburb |
| Featured Bulls | Taos, Cirrus, Conway, Renegade, Pazzle |
| Guest Speaker | Jeff Ziegler, Select Sires |
| Charity Supported | Air Ambulance Northern Ireland |
Local volunteers and trade stands played instrumental roles in making the day a success. The event was not only a platform for showcasing dairy breeding but also a celebration of community spirit, education, and support for essential rural services.
Conclusion
The charity dairy showcase at Redhouse Holsteins was a significant experience for Fermanagh farmers. By focusing on breeding innovation and community welfare, the event underscored the value of collaboration in advancing the local dairy sector.
