The Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) is proud to announce its upcoming Focus Farm Walk, taking place at Jim and Brenda Murray’s award-winning Derrinsallow Herd near Birr, Co. Offaly on Wednesday, August 13.

This free event is open to all, and anyone with a passion for dairy farming is warmly encouraged to attend.

This highly anticipated farm walk promises to offer a unique insight into the diversity, innovation, and resilience of IHFA breeder herds.

It will be a chance to see top-class Holstein Friesian genetics in action, engage with industry leaders, and connect with fellow farmers navigating today’s evolving dairy landscape.

A key highlight of the event will be the opportunity to meet all six of the 2025 IHFA Focus Farmers, each of whom runs a successful yet distinct dairy enterprise.

In an era marked by both opportunity and challenge within Irish dairying, these farmers are proof that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to success.

What they do share is a commitment to healthy, fertile cows, long-term performance, strong breeding, and sustainable family-focused systems.

Here are the 2025 IHFA Focus Farmers:

Jim and Brenda Murray – Your hosts for the day, the Murrays milk 72 cows on the Tipperary-Offaly border. Their Derrinsallow Herd is renowned for its consistent performance, longevity, and genetic quality.
TJ and Ryan Meegan, Co. Louth – A dynamic father-and-son duo milking 300 cows outside Dundalk. Their system blends scale with attention to detail and herd health.
Michael McNamara, Co. Cork – Farming with his two daughters in Newtownshandrum, Michael runs a 200-cow operation and is passionate about breeding and family involvement in dairy farming.
Maurice Harty, Co. Kerry – With 100 cows under the Ballylongane prefix in Ballyheigue, Maurice’s herd balances production, fertility and strong cow families.
Henry and Sam Dudley, Co. Tipperary – This father-and-son team milk 80 pure Friesian cows, focusing on longevity, efficiency, and the value of strong maternal lines.
PJ Brennan, Co. Waterford – Milking 76 cows under the Monataggart prefix, a recent grade up to pedigree but PJ’s herd is built on decades of breeding excellence.

Each Focus Farmer will speak at the event, sharing their experiences and the decisions behind their individual systems.

Their presence offers a rare chance for attendees to hear first-hand how different herds are tackling the challenges of modern dairy farming - from milk price volatility to environmental regulations - while keeping animal health and farm family sustainability front and centre.

Alongside the farmer panels, the event will also feature:

A classification demonstration hosted by IHFA, showcasing how genetic and phenotypic traits are evaluated for breeding improvement.
Guest speakers from MSD and Teagasc, offering expert insights on animal health, breeding technologies, grassland management and current research.
A select number of trade stands representing key partners in dairy farming, offering useful tools and products for herd and business development.
Refreshments served throughout the day for all to enjoy.

Whether you are a new entrant, a long-standing breeder, or simply someone interested in the future of Irish dairy farming, the IHFA Focus Farm Walk at Derrinsallow promises to be an inspiring and informative day out.

Join us to celebrate the diversity and strength of Irish dairy farms, and discover what’s driving the next generation of success in the Holstein Friesian breed.

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