Invitation to Holstein open day

Holstein Northern Ireland has announced details of an open day taking place later this month.
Announcing details of Holstein NI's open day on Saturday 30th April, are from left: John Berry, chairman Holstein NI; Alistair Sampson, Volac/Ecosyl, sponsor; and host farmers Ivor and Cecilia Broomfield, Moneyquin Herd, Armagh.Announcing details of Holstein NI's open day on Saturday 30th April, are from left: John Berry, chairman Holstein NI; Alistair Sampson, Volac/Ecosyl, sponsor; and host farmers Ivor and Cecilia Broomfield, Moneyquin Herd, Armagh.
Announcing details of Holstein NI's open day on Saturday 30th April, are from left: John Berry, chairman Holstein NI; Alistair Sampson, Volac/Ecosyl, sponsor; and host farmers Ivor and Cecilia Broomfield, Moneyquin Herd, Armagh.

The one-day event on Saturday 30th April will be hosted by the 90-cow Moneyquin Herd owned by Ivor and Cecilia Broomfield, 35 Crosskeys Road, Armagh, and runs from 11am to 4pm.

The open day is expected to attract pedigree and commercial Holstein enthusiasts from throughout Ireland, and will incorporate the club’s annual stockjudging event, a variety of trade stands, and various educational and informative workshops which will be scheduled throughout the day.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Neighbouring agricultural contractor Keith Livingstone is also planning to display a selection of machinery, including a Krone 770 forager – the first of its kind in Ireland.

Holstein NI chairman John Berry from Armagh said: “The event is generously sponsored by Ecosyl from Volac, and we are also indebted to numerous local businesses for their support. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB) at Queens University in Belfast.”

Ivor Broomfield added: “CCRCB is a charity very close to our hearts, and all money raised at the open day will help fund cancer research, and specifically research into the BRCA gene mutation which raises the risk of breast cancer.”

CCRCB brings together scientists, doctors and nurses who by sharing knowledge and expertise, are developing lab-based discoveries into treatments that will benefit patients in Northern Ireland and beyond.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

John Berry continued: “We are re-branding our annual stockjudging event and making it bigger and better than before. Plans are well underway for the open day, and we aim to promote best practice when it comes to breeding profitable dairy cattle. The event will focus on educating young members, whilst providing an opportunity for farming families to socialise, as well as create awareness and raise funds for a very worthy charity.”

Young Holstein breeders from across the province will be putting their judging skills to the test, competing for a place on the NI team at Holstein UK’s National Competitions Day which takes place at Newtonrigg College, Penrith, on Sunday 31st July. Watch press for further details, or see Holstein NI’s facebook page.