Report by Donal Carey

Top quality Grenan Pure Friesian herd is complimented by integrated dairy beef enterprise

The Grenan Pure Friesian herd of Michael & Patrick Quealy, Kilmacthomas Co Waterford welcomed large crowds to their farm on Thursday July 21^st last for the Irish Pure Friesian open day 2022. On a pleasantly warm and calm summer’s day the unique merits and attributes of Pure Friesian breeding took centre stage. Seventeen years since the open day took place on a Co. Waterford farm the annual promotional showpiece for the Friesian club returned to the Deise County for a second occasion.

Brothers Michael and Patrick Quealy are tremendous exponents of the Friesian breed. Their modern and progressive family farm proved a very fitting host venue for the event. The milking herd includes 170 pedigree registered Friesian cows with all female calves born on the farm annually reared as replacement stock with surplus numbers offered for sale. All male calves are retained on the farm and reared for breeding or finishing in a fully integrated dairy beef enterprise.

Located close to the N25 Waterford to Dungarvan main road near Carroll’s Cross the farm is situated with central access. Visitors from as far away as Donegal, the Midlands and the mid-West were among the attendance. Dignitaries present included Richard Hamilton, IHFA President-elect, Michael Dempsey, Irish Pure Friesian Club Honorary President, Francis Fitzgerald Irish Pure Friesian Club Secretary, Laurence Feeney, IHFA C.E.O.

A special presentation on behalf of the Pure Friesian club and IHFA was made to Carmel Quealy, mother of Michael and Patrick. Mementos in appreciation were presented to Sinead and Josephine Quealy in appreciation for their tremendous organisational work as hosts.

Key open day local sponsors were Denn Feeds and Boumatic Gascoigne Melotte. FBD and Volac were also in strong support. There was a vibrant trade stand display on the day numbering twenty-four commercial companies showcasing specific products and service offerings.

Three classes of milkers were on display in the open day stockjudging classes. Master Judge was Charles Gallagher, retired C.E. of IHFA. In his reasons as to his placings in the three classes; Heifers in milk, Junior Cows and Senior Cows, Charles praised the high quality of stock from the Grenan herd on display. He remarked on the positive dairy character with tremendous udders and conformation overall. In his comments afterwards Patrick gave an overview of the cow families and their efficient performances including tremendous longevity.

Stock Judging Results

Under 18 sponsored by Boumatic Gascoigne Melotte

3^rd              Ellen Drohan      

2^nd         Eoin McGuckian

1^st             Sinead Cusack                      

Francis Fitzgerald, Irish Pure Friesian Club secretary paid tribute to Charles Gallagher upon his retirement as IHFA C.E. On behalf of all Friesian breeders Francis said that the club were thankful to Charles for his leadership as Chief Executive in helping to promote and progress Pure Friesian breeding. Francis instanced the adoption of Genomics some years ago as one example where Charles astutely advised Friesian breeders to adopt this new technology, fusing together cutting-edge DNA technology with innate stockmanship skills to further inform breeding decisions and to help progress the breed.

Results of the Irish Pure Friesian Club Herd competition were announced on the day. Judge this year was Hefyn Wilson, Treggiby herd, Wales. A balanced formula weighted for production, conformation and inspection is applied in computing the herds competition rankings. The results are as follows;

3^rd         Oliver Dempsey, Barrowvale herd, Ballybrittas, Co. Laois

2^nd            Peadar Healy, Firoda herd, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny

1^st         Míchéal Spillane, Mountain herd, Fethard, Co. Tipperary