Moneyquin Herd to host Holstein open day and stockjudging event

Taking place on Saturday 30th April, the event will be hosted by Ivor and Cecilia Broomfield’s 90-cow Moneyquin Herd, 35 Crosskeys Road, Armagh, BT60 3JL from 11am to 4pm.

Generously sponsored by Ecosyl from Volac, the open day is expected to attract pedigree and commercial dairy herd owners from throughout Ireland, and promises to be a fun day out for all members of the family.

Holstein NI chairman John Berry said: “Everyone is welcome. The open day will incorporate the club’s annual stockjudging event, as well as a variety of trade stands, and various educational and informative workshops.

“Proceeds from the event will be donated to CCRCB – Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology at Queens University in Belfast.”

The Moneyquin prefix was founded almost twenty years ago when Ivor Broomfield graduated from Greenmount College.

“Originally it was a flying herd, but I took a keen interest in pedigree genetics and started using highly acclaimed AI bulls,” explained Ivor. “I registered my first pedigree animal in 1997, and started herd classification in 2001.”

Over the years Ivor invested in Holstein genetics, buying cows and heifers at various venues, including club sales and herd reduction and dispersal auctions.

In 2009 the Moneyquin prefix was placed second in the junior section of Holstein NI’s annual herds inspection competition, and since then has secured several awards in the competition, including first prize small herd in 2014.

After a breakout of TB in 2010, Ivor invested in high genetic, well-proven Holstein bloodlines from throughout Northern Ireland and the UK. Cow families currently at Moneyquin include: Paradise, Maude, Robin, Barb, Blackrose, Caroline, Roxy and Peach.

Ivor prides himself on breeding functional, well-balanced cows. He is an area council member of United Dairy Farmers Ltd, and is currently averaging over 8,500 litres at 4.0% butterfat and 3.20% protein.

There are currently 17EX and 43VG cows and heifers in the herd.

In addition to the Holstein Herd, Ivor is also milking four Brown Swiss cows which hail from top USA cow families, including the renowned Snickerdoodle family.

Visitors to the open day will have an opportunity to view the Moneyquin Herd, and test their stockjudging skills alongside that of the Holstein Young Breeders’ Club members competing for a place at the national finals in England at the end of July.

John Berry added: “This year we are re-branding our annual stockjudging competition, and inviting IHFA teams from throughout Ireland. Competitors will have to place three classes – senior cows, junior cows, and in-milk heifers. Master judge for the event is south Yorkshire herd owner Edward Griffiths. “

Ivor Broomfield said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support pledged by an array of local businesses. Everyone is welcome, and we hope that the event will raise funds for CCRCB in memory of Cecilia’s sister, Carol Hanthorn.

“This is a charity very close to our hearts, and all money raised will help fund cancer research, and specifically research into the BRCA gene mutation which raises the risk of breast cancer.”

Dr Kienan Savage from CCRCB added: “Improving outcomes for people with cancer lies at the heart of our research programmes. Researchers at the centre have already developed tests to help those with hereditary breast cancer, pioneered a unique combination treatment for men with aggressive prostate cancer, and explored new ways of treating bowel cancer that has become resistant to chemotheraphy.”

An auction has been organised to boost funds for the charity. It includes 450 litres of home heating oil generously donated by Orchard Fuels, and two pedigree red and white Holstein calves.

Ivor and Cecilia Broomfield have donated the February born Moneyquin Aikman Carol Red PLI £241, bred from four generations of EX and VG dams from the home-bred high production and component Carol family.

Neighbouring Holstein breeder Robert Keys has donated the seven-month-old heifer calf Millford Celeb Carole Red PLI £142. She is a polled daughter of Cogent Celeb P Red, and is bred from the VG85 classified Millford Saturn Carole Red.

John Berry, Skybrook Herd, has donated two embryos (Goldwyn x Misty Springs Shottle Smoothie) for the auction.

For further information contact Holstein NI secretary John Martin on mobile 07711 041128.

The farm is situated at 35 Crosskeys Road, Armagh, BT60 3JL, and will be signposted from the main Armagh to Keady Road, and the Armagh to Monaghan Road.