The IHFA is delighted to announce that the National Holstein Friesian Open Day 2025 will take place on Thursday, July 10 at the renowned Greenlea Holsteins, located in Crosshugh, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan.

This prestigious event promises to be a highlight in the agricultural calendar, offering a chance to visit one of the most celebrated and successful pedigree Holstein herds in the country.

Greenlea Holsteins is home to Padraic Greenan, his wife Paula, and their children Ryan, Hannah, and Zoe.

A third-generation farmer, Padraic took over the reins from his father Jim and mother Mairead in 2004, continuing their legacy of dedication to dairy farming.

The Greenlea herd’s pedigree journey began in 1995, when it was graded up under Padraic’s encouragement, with the help of Bobby Franks.

However, tragedy struck just two years later, when the herd was completely depopulated due to BSE. Undeterred, the Greenans rebuilt their herd with cattle bought from two local herds.

Disaster struck again in 2000, requiring yet another complete depopulation.

True to form, the family rebuilt once more. This time importing stock from France, sourced by David Clarke (cows.ie), 38 cows that laid the foundation of today’s successful herd.

Remarkably, some of these original cow families remain.

Family is central to operations at Greenlea.

While Padraic is one of five siblings - with three brothers living in Ireland and a sister in the UK - his entire family plays an active role in the farm’s daily life.

Despite their off-farm jobs, Padraic’s brothers are closely involved in farm operations.

Padraic himself worked full-time off-farm until 2011, employed by CombiLift, a forklift manufacturing company.

Since then, his focus has shifted entirely to the farm, where Paula, Ryan, Hannah, and Zoe are all actively involved — particularly in the showing side.

The children are enthusiastic members of the Breffni Oriel Young Members Association (YMA).

The herd is fed a total mixed ration (TMR) blend year-round - buffer-fed during summer months - consisting of maize and grass silage.

While Padraic prefers to keep the diet simple, he now consults with Morgan Sheehy of Devenish Nutrition for guidance.

The grazing platform spans approximately 65ha, comprising of both owned and rented land.

Greenlea currently milks 100 cows. Milking is done through a 20-unit Dairymaster swingover parlour with sequential bailing, with the herd monitored round-the-clock using CowManager technology.

The Greenlea herd includes prominent cow families such as Rhapsody, Apple, Katrina, Pledge, Roxy, and Aiko.

In recent years, Padraic has further enhanced herd genetics, investing in lines from internationally renowned cows including:

Jeffrey-Way Spunky Red P
Floydholm MC Emoji
Lovhill Goldwyn Katrysha
Duckett G Chip Tokyo
Richardo Dundee Dawnette
Fraeland Goldwyn Bonnie

The breeding programme is focused on imported US and Canadian genetics, with 90% of inseminations using sexed semen, and the remainder from beef artificial insemination (AI) sires (primarily Angus and Belgian Blue).

Calving season runs from late October through May.

Greenlea sells around 50 fresh heifers annually through Carnaross and Ballybay marts, as well as through private sales.

The family are longstanding members of the Breffni Oriel Holstein Friesian Breeders Club, actively competing in the herds competition since its establishment.

Starting in the Intermediate section, they have progressed to the Premier section - winning the inspection title twice.

Padraic has also made valuable contributions to the wider Holstein Friesian community, serving as chairperson and treasurer of the club and representing the region on the IHFA board.

Greenlea Holsteins has recently enjoyed tremendous success in the show ring.

In their first attempt, they won the Over 80 Cow Section of the IHFA National Herds Competition in 2024, along with the Judges’ Choice Prize—an achievement the family holds with great pride.

Their crowning glory came when Greenlea MG Rhapsody was named Diageo Baileys Champion Cow 2024.

At nine years-of-age, she was the oldest cow in the ring and earned the Diageo Baileys Protein Award and Exhibitor-Bred Champion titles as well - a remarkable local win for the Breffni Oriel club and a very proud day for the whole Greenan family.

Other show successes include:

Champion of the Breffni Oriel Calf Show two years running (2022 and 2023), with Cedarmore Handsome Pocahontas and Greenlea Doc Tokyo
Honourable Mention at the National Calf Show 2023 with Greenlea Kalo Oceane

The Irish Holstein Friesian Association National Open Day is a farm family day out, with trade exhibitors, stock judging, award presentations, youngstock sales and much more.

The association said: "All are welcome to attend, there is something for everyone, not just those of a farming background and entry is free.”