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LANCASHIRE O
n 26th November our members were delighted to listen to, and discuss with, Meurig James the merits of pedigree Holstein breeding... entitled 'Does Pedigree Pay'. Meurig began with a brief history telling us of his days in the Young Farmers which gave him a great experience and really set him up for the life he has led and his role as classifier for the Society for the last 22 years and now as head classifier.
Meurig fully believes that with the data held by the Society through classifying and milk recording pedigree identifies those outstanding cow families that look and breed well and pedigree also creates an interest in the cows you have on your farm.
The UK has cows that are as good as anywhere in the world and there are many commercial herds with good cows in them
too. Sadly the UK is probably at a disadvantage when it comes to exporting stock as there is far too much bureaucracy and paperwork to deal with. Meurig fully believes that the UK classifying system is the envy of the world and the world conferences that are held are absolutely vital in order that the global Holstein is comparative from country to country. Genomics were discussed at length with some members of the opinion that the Society needs to take a proactive role and need to use the 'model' cow as the inspiration to better influence future conformation of genomic Holsteins.
Meurig admitted that in pursuit of ‘dairyness’ the breed had lost strength, but that the classification system was dealing with that issue, indeed, classifying was constantly under review and prepared to alter when needed. Meurig stressed that it is important to have cows with strength and to be aware of this in pursuit of
NORTHERN IRELAND
More than 100 members attended the Club’s 17th annual dinner in Coleraine. Guests included Holstein UK chief executive Richard Jones and his wife Sahar.
Club chairman Stuart Smith gave a resume of the Club’s activities throughout the year and the proceeds of the raffle were donated to Kenny Watson’s Cash for Kids Funsie in a Onesie fund raising campaign. Fiddler Adam provided the entertainment. Club stalwart Robert Wallace was crowned Unsung Hero at the Farming Life and Danske Bank Awards in Belfast. Thanks to everyone who voted for him. Holstein NI hosted an open
meeting in November. Ronald Annett from McLarnon Feeds highlighted the latest research on transition cow management to maximise health and performance. Young Holstein enthusiasts Andrew McLean, Relough Herd, and Nathanael McCollum, Bellemont Herd, also made presentations. Andrew McLean shared his experiences of dairy farming at North Florida Holsteins, America,while Nathanael talked about the time he had spent at the Waipiri Holstein Herd in New Zealand. Plans are well underway for the 2016 Irish National Holstein Show which takes place at the Pedigree Sales Arena, Moira,
on Friday 4th March. Entry forms and schedules can be downloaded from the Club’s website -
www.holstein-ni.co.uk - entries close on Friday 12th February.
genomics and to remember that cow families are important. To sum up of course milk price rules everything, but with pedigree breeding a dairy farmer has the ability and tools to make the best decisions about the breeding of his individual cows, to identify those cow families which give their best and to act accordingly with the knowledge he has and. therefore, become as efficient as he can be. Martyn Bristol gave the vote of thanks and the evening was kindly sponsored by North West Auctions.
Meurig James with Club chairman David Booth.
Conor McAufield receiving his award from Holstein UK chief executive Richard Jones and wife Sahar.
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