The Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) and Cows.ie have launched a new "pedigree breeding initiative" aimed at dairy stock breeders for the 2025 season.

The campaign highlights the benefits of using Holstein Friesian sexed semen and pedigree stock bulls to ensure high-quality breeding outcomes.

The programme also aims to establish an innovative farmer-partnership model to guarantee a market for pedigree heifer calves in 2026.

One of the key objectives of the new IHFA and Cows.ie collaboration is to promote the use of sexed semen and pedigree stock bulls and also to:

Encourage dairy stock breeders to breed quality pedigree Holstein Friesian heifer calves;
Ensure high fertility rates and maximise genetic potential in herds.

The campaign also intends to create a guaranteed market for pedigree calves and through Cows.ie, farmers will have the opportunity to secure contracts guaranteeing the purchase of pedigree heifers directly from their farms in 2026.

The two organisations have also confirmed that purchase agreements will be based on pre-agreed weight and age parameters, providing farmers with a stable and predictable income stream.

Separately, the partnership model with Cows.ie also aims to collaborate with farmers who adopt Holstein Friesian sexed semen or pedigree stock bulls and provide farmers with a formal contract pre-breeding season to ensure that pedigree heifers are purchased directly by Cows.ie in 2026.

It will also provide a guaranteed purchase price based on a minimum heifer’s calves’ weight and age, removing uncertainties around market demand.

Both organisations have said that they will offer "comprehensive support for breeders".

The IHFA will provide breeders with access to detailed resources on the benefits of sexed semen and pedigree bulls and guidance will be offered to ensure the health and productivity of herds, including breeding tips, management practices, and genetic improvement insights.

Both the IHFA and Cows.ie have highlighted that the new campaign underlines their commitment to enhance the quality of dairy stock in Ireland by encouraging the use of high-quality genetics and fostering sustainable farming practices.

They also said it "seeks to strengthen Ireland’s position as a leader in dairy production".

They believe that the campaign will deliver the following benefits to farmers:

A guaranteed market: Secure sales contracts eliminate the risks of fluctuating market prices;
Predictable revenue: Purchase prices based on weight and age ensure clarity and financial stability;
Improved genetics: Access to premium-quality Holstein Friesian genetics enhances herd productivity and profitability.

Dairy farmers interested in joining this groundbreaking programme are encouraged to get in touch with IHFA or Cows.ie to learn more.

"Early adopters will benefit from priority contract opportunities and expert support to optimise their breeding strategies," according to both organisations.