IHFA open day: A showcase of excellence at Cedarmore
Crowds enjoying the IHFA National Open Day at John and Bryan O'Connor's Cedarmore Holsteins, farm in Kanturk, Co Cork. Picture: Maria Kelly
Crowds from across Ireland travelled to Kanturk, Co Cork, on July 8 for the Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) National Open Day, hosted by John and Bryan O'Connor and family at their renowned Cedarmore Holsteins herd.
The annual event showcased one of Ireland's most progressive pedigree Holstein Friesian herds and highlighted excellence in breeding, innovation, sustainability, and dairy production.
This year's event provided visitors with the opportunity to view a herd that successfully combines world-class genetics with cutting-edge technology and modern farm management.
Throughout the day, visitors toured the Cedarmore facilities, including the state-of-the-art robotic dairy unit completed in 2021 and designed by John O'Connor.
The farm currently milks in excess of 180 cows through three Lely Astronaut milking robots and utilises a Lely Vector automatic feeding system to maximise efficiency and cow performance.
As visitors walked through the herd, the O'Connor family shared the breeding philosophy that has underpinned the success of both the Cedarmore and Bawnmore prefixes.
Their focus on functional type, fertility, udder quality, and longevity, combined with strategic investment in elite cow families and modern genetic technologies, has developed a herd widely recognised among the country's premier Holstein breeders.
Particular attention was drawn to the exceptional classification achievements within the herd, including three EX96 cows scored during the past 12 months, reflecting the remarkable quality and consistency of the breeding programme.
One of the highlights of the day was the National Interclub Stockjudging Competition.
The quality of the animals presented made for a highly competitive contest, with participants travelling from clubs nationwide to put their judging skills to the test.
The judging classes featured outstanding examples of Cedarmore breeding, allowing competitors to assess heifers, junior cows, and senior cows displaying exceptional type, production potential, and dairy character.
Young members also participated enthusiastically in a dedicated reason giving competition.
Following the classes, the master judges delivered their reasons before presentations were made to the winning teams and individuals.
The master judges for the day were, David Boyd, Victor Jackson, Richard Forde, and Andrea Rafferty (YMA).
Their job was made difficult yet enjoyable by the high calibre of animals on display.
Reason giving judges for the YMA members were Robert Helen, Robert Shannon, and Pat Fanning.
