Category: Nature & Agriculture

NDS innovation award entrants 2024

Engineering

Autocoupler

The product is an automatic hydraulic coupling system for tractors loaders, shovels or Teleporters. It automatically connects the hydraulic system once an implement is picked up all at the touch of a button within 4 seconds. There is an impressive time saving and safety advantage in using the Autocoupler, as the operator does not have to leave the cab to hook up the hydraulic lines to an implement when the implement is hooked up to the front of a loader. There is no loss of oil by having to relieve oil pressure on an implement as the auto coupler connects under residual pressure. Compatible to Euro brackets.

Dairymaster – RoboSpray

A robotic arm that gives a more precise and consistent spray pattern, closer to the udder, thus ensuring a better coverage of all teats and a more effective use of the disinfectant. The RoboSpray system includes machine vision technology to correctly position the spray head. RoboSpray links with the milking parlour control unit to allow for cow retention where a milking deviation has been detected. Cows can be retained on the platform for a second revolution without being sprayed at either post-spray or pre-spray, and the operator will have clean dry teats for inspection and/or reattachment of the milking cluster.

True North Technologies/More Grass – E-gate Grazing Management System

This system integrates an API interface with a weather station hosted on the farm and connected via the home Wi-Fi. It provides farmers with up-to-date local weather information, which is also available through the E-gate smartphone application. The weather data can trigger an automatic gate-opening event based on specific conditions, such as rain. This feature would be particularly useful for farmers during spring, allowing them to graze cows overnight with confidence. If it begins to rain, the weather station communicates with the E-gate, opening the gate and activating a sound alert to guide livestock off the paddock. This would reduce paddock damage and improve grass utilization overall.

Technology

Bovonic – QuadSense Mastitis Detector

QuadSense is an automatic mastitis detector for dairy cows that uses four patented milk sensors to monitor milk from each quarter of the udder independently, ensuring precise and early detection of both clinical and subclinical mastitis. The system is easy to install, battery-powered, and provides results within minutes. Its key benefits include reduced mastitis cases, fewer antibiotics, improved milk quality, and higher productivity. QuadSense integrates seamlessly into existing milking routines, enabling farmers to monitor udder health efficiently without manual inspections

Creva International – Urban HygieneSet UV-C

The Urban HygieneSet UV-C revolutionizes calf health by providing a non-chemical, environmentally friendly method to disinfect drinking teats. Using UV-C rays, the system eliminates pathogens from both the teat and its casing, while also disinfecting the accompanying boiler to destroy contaminated water. This technology minimizes the spread of infections in group feeding setups and ensures optimal hygiene for calf feeding. Launched in Ireland in 2024, the first unit was sold at the National Ploughing Championships to Tom Murphy of Swiftsheath Holsteins, highlighting its immediate impact on calf husbandry.

Delaval – Delaval Plus

DeLaval Plus is an advanced customer portal powered by DeepBlue, a unique AI system that collects and analyses herd data to provide actionable insights and health alerts. Key features include Disease Risk prediction, Reproduction Performance analysis, and several other analytical applications. Integrating data from various sensors, DeLaval Plus offers a comprehensive overview of farm operations, enabling improved decision-making and sustainability. With streamlined access to herd data anytime, anywhere, farmers can efficiently manage cow health, fertility, and milk production, enhancing productivity and management efficiency.

Science

Biocel – NUVOSAN TeatGard

Innovation in Teatcare Technology based on the combined proven properties of naturally occurring Citrus based Polyphenols in conjunction with Glyolic Acid. NUVOSAN – TeatGard delivers the following key benefits to aid prevention of Mastitis bacteria and Teat Skin condition in Dairy Cows. 1. Disinfectant action of Citrus based polyphenols in conjunction with Glyolic Acid against mastitis bacteria.2. Excellent skin condition & regeneration of Teat Skin. 3. Reduces mastitis levels by improving Teat Skin condition, enabling more effective disinfectant action. 4. Very effect in the treatment of Teat & Udder Warts & skin regeneration when Warts fall off.

Burpeez

Burpeez is an environmentally friendly netwrap that saves farmers time and labour when feeding cattle by removing the hassle of detaching and gathering up traditional plastic netwrap and disposing of it after use. Burpeez, based in Co. Clare has developed an edible netwrap for silage and haylage bales. Once the outer silage wrap/film has been removed, the bale and netwrap can be easily fed to ruminant animals. The 2nd iteration of Burpeez (patent-pending) will reduce the rate of methane burped from the rumen of these animals, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Goldcrop – Clodagh white clover

Clodagh is now the highest performing white clover available in Ireland, with performance that makes the benefits of white clover more attainable on a range of Irish farms. Clodagh has the highest yield in official trials across Ireland, Scotland and England & Wales, official trials showing that even under a wide range of potential conditions, Clodagh can perform. Clodagh has the highest ground cover, despite being a large leaf variety, meaning it has proven persistence and can sustain its improved performance in both grazing and silage swards. Clodagh also has improved seasonal yield, with 27% additional production in the spring and 51% additional production in autumn, addressing a key weakness of white clover.

Pharavet – TruHoof Gold Footbath Solution

TruHoof Gold is a footbath solution specially formulated for dairy cows, containing a buffered solution of different acids that are skin safe to both animal and operator, yet still reduces the pH of a footbath to pH 2. Using a unique patented chelate, TruHoof Gold holds predictably higher concentrations of active copper in suspension. To achieve adequate copper concentrations, conventional products must add large quantities, resulting in precipitation in solution, excessive waste and increased environmental contamination with heavy metals on disposal. TruHoof effectively utilizes metals present, allowing for up to an 80% reduction in heavy metal usage, whilst also significantly reducing reliance on formaldehyde, a known human health risk and carcinogen.

Provita – Fresh Boost

Displayed by  TP Whelehan.  Fresh Boost is an oral paste supplying beneficial bacteria, vitamins, dextrose and egg powder for transition and fresh cows.  Between 60-80% of clinical diseases in the lifespan of high-yielding dairy cows occur over the transition period during which cows experience a certain degree of stress, negative energy balance, reduced appetite & dry matter intake, sub-optimal rumen fermentation and low immunity.  Failure to adapt to these changes may result in excessive fat mobilization, immunosuppression, and, ultimately, metabolic or infectious disease in the postpartum period. Fresh Boost helps to directly address these problems allowing a smoother transition with fewer disease problems.

NoBACZ – NoBACZ Navel

Displayed by Pharavet. NoBACZ Healthcare developed a liquid solution for navel care containing a proprietary blend of shellac and metal salts in an ethanol base. It’s a true innovation in navel care and was purpose built for this job. It provides greater desiccation of the umbilicus than iodine or chlorhexidine (with or without spirit), plus it offers physical and microbial protection of the site by forming a non-colonizable hydrophobic barrier that protects the navel whilst it dries– protecting the navel from the environment and providing durable protection from a single dip. It also contains a bitter ingredient to prevent the product being licked off. Farmers, and vets frequently comment on the NoBACZ navel as being ‘lick-resistant’ The bitter agent prevents interference by the dam or other calves. A commonly observed problem causing repeat applications to be required or injury and bleeding at the site.

Sponsors – Agriland Native 2

The AXA National Dairy Show is returning once again to its iconic venue at the Green Glens Arena in Millstreet, Co. Cork, with the event scheduled for the 11th and 12th of October 2024. This prestigious show continues to receive outstanding support from a wide range of agri-businesses, with AXA proudly leading as the Headline Sponsor for the third consecutive year. Thanks to their support, the Show is able to offer one of the largest prize pools for exhibitors across Ireland. Additionally, AXA provides all participants with generous vouchers applicable to farm insurance policies.

The event garners extensive backing from various sectors of the agriculture industry, including AI companies, milking equipment suppliers, machinery businesses, and milk producers. Their sponsorship reflects the high regard in which the National Dairy Show is held, and the great business opportunities it brings to these partners.

Several sponsor packages are available for businesses, with Platinum-level sponsors leading the charge. For the 2024 show, Dairygold, Munster Bovine, Dunmasc Genetics, IHFA, Eurogene, and Tom Harte/DeLaval have committed as Platinum Sponsors. Brian Harte from Tom Harte Farm Services  highlighted their longstanding involvement: “We at Tom Harte Farm Services are delighted to be associated with the National Dairy Show and are proud to be Platinum sponsors of the event this year. Tom Harte Farm Services have a long association with the National Dairy Show stretching back over 40 years. The show is the highlight of our year and a place we can meet and engage with our customers. As always Tom Harte Farm Services are supplying the on-site milking facilities for the dairy stock on show over the week of the show. This year we are showcasing the DeLaval Robotic Range so please make sure you drop in to see firsthand our robotic feeding and milking systems. The longevity of the show and its ability to grow and expand year on year is testament to commitment and effort of all involved and the platform this wonderful event provides to showcase all that is good in Irish Dairy makes our ongoing support and sponsorship a foregone conclusion.™

In addition to the Platinum sponsors, Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsorship packages have also been popular with companies, with applications still open for those interested.

This wide range of sponsorship reflects the broad appeal of the National Dairy Show and its importance to every aspect of the dairy industry. For attendees, these sponsors provide a variety of innovative solutions and services to meet the challenges faced by modern dairy farming.

The National Dairy Show extends its sincere gratitude to all its sponsors for their ongoing commitment. Their support ensures the continued success of this premier event. Join us at the Green Glens Arena, Millstreet, Co. Cork, on October 11th and 12th, 2024, for what promises to be another exceptional celebration of the Irish dairy industry.

Please contact Ciara O’Mahony at <email> for further details on sponsorship packages.

AXA National Dairy Show Committee Welcomes Niels Erik Haahr as Judge for 2024 Event

The AXA National Dairy Show is proud to announce that Niels Erik Haahr, one of Denmark’s top Holstein breeders, will serve as the judge for the 42nd edition of the National Dairy Show. This prestigious event will take place on the 11th and 12th of October 2024 at its traditional venue, the Green Glens Arena, Millstreet, Co. Cork.

Niels Erik Haahr, renowned across Europe, works closely with cattle in Germany and Scandinavia, investing in high-quality genetics sourced globally. Niels was originally invited to judge the 2023 National Dairy Show, however unfortunately a brief illness prevented him from attending. We are thrilled to finally welcome him to the centre of the ring this year.

Haahr, along with his wife Anja and their four children, manage the Anderstrup Herd, a name familiar to many in the dairy farming community. Anderstrup Holsteins is recognised as the source of numerous top AI bulls used throughout Europe, including VikingGenetics sires such as Mandel (MOM-Didrik; Tirsvad Luke Classic family) and Miracle (Massey-Roumare; Tir-An Calano Kristine family), which together have produced over 40,000 daughters. Another notable bull from Anderstrup, Clash-P, is currently the highest-scoring bull on Italy’s progeny proven list. Additionally, the herd has produced prominent Red Holstein bulls, such as Sting, Gonzales, and Marsden-P in Germany, and Sky-Red in Scandinavia. The Anderstrup Herd, comprising 540 cows, boasts an impressive average production of 17,052 kg of milk with 3.82% fat and 3.5% protein, earning the distinction of being Europe’s top production herd in 2022—a remarkable achievement!

Haahr is no stranger to the show ring, with a wealth of experience both as an exhibitor and a judge. His judging credentials include the European Red Holstein Show in Germany and National Shows across Spain, Holland, Belgium, England, Portugal, Denmark, and many more. Haahr has a clear vision for this year’s competition: “I follow a two-step approach when it comes to assessing cows. I’m searching for a well-balanced animal with excellent feet and legs, as well as an outstanding udder. The mammary system is very important to me and is crucial for any dairy producer aiming for top results.”

The National Dairy Show will run over two days, Friday, the 11th, and Saturday, the 12th of October, featuring dairy classes and a large trade show. 2022’s move to a two-day format was a resounding success, with large crowds and a vibrant atmosphere throughout the venue. This event has solidified its reputation as the gathering place for the dairy industry, showcasing the largest specialised dairy trade exhibition in Ireland. Attendees can expect to see major exhibitors in AI, animal health, breeding and dairy agritech, milking equipment, robotics, livestock machinery, finance, dairy services, nutrition, soil and land management, and more.

New for 2024 is the introduction of the Calf Village, an informative space dedicated to all aspects of calf rearing and husbandry. Visitors will find expert displays on nutrition, housing, and vaccination programs, making this area a must-visit for those committed to the future of dairy farming.

Don’t miss your chance to participate! Livestock exhibitors must submit entries by the 19th of September, and trade stand applications are due by late September. For more information, visit https://nationaldairyshow.com/.

The National Dairy Show Committee looks forward to welcoming you to Millstreet this October.

Competitors to travel the length of the country for the AXA National Dairy Show

The AXA National Dairy Show (NDS), the premier annual event for pedigree dairy breeders, will take place at Millstreet’s Green Glens Arena on October 11th and 12th. This prestigious event is the ultimate stage for breeders to showcase their cows and youngstock. Entries are now closed for Cattle Exhibitors, with entries received from all 4 corners of the country!

Amongst this year’s competitors we welcome entrants from Galway, Roscommon,   Monaghan, Limerick, Kerry, and Wexford, to name a few. The show committee are excited to welcome back long-time competitors who have exhibited at the show for years, while also celebrating the debut of several first time exhibitors joining us this year.

The event kicks off with the National Showmanship League finals and the NDS handler classes, all of which have received tremendous support. Over 20 entrants will compete in the final handling class of the day, showcasing the promising future of Irish dairy farming.

Youngstock classes have record entries, with large numbers spread across all 5 classes. A  new Junior 2 Year Old Heifer in Milk class has been added to the prize schedule for the 2024 show, which has proved a popular addition amongst competitors.

Pleasing to see, is the large entry numbers for the Mature Cow and Production Classes, which is testament to the longevity of the Holstein breed and the high level of management within their herds. This year the Production Class entry criteria has strengthened, with the minimum entry requirement of Kgs Milk Solids produced increasing from 3000kgs to 4000kgs.

The NDS is deeply appreciative of AXA Insurance’s continued support as the main sponsor this year. As part of their generous sponsorship, each exhibitor will receive a €100 AXA Farm Insurance Voucher. Recognising the effort it takes to prepare cows and heifers for show, particularly those in milk, the NDS is awarding a minimum of €200 in prize money to all winners in the milking classes. This represents one of the most competitive prize funds in the country!

Join us at the Green Glens Arena in Millstreet, Co. Cork, on October 11th and 12th to witness this exciting and competitive showcase!

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Conor Aherne with Heifer in Milk Winner Moorshill

Dairy Competitors Looking forward to their day in the Ring

It’s the biggest event of the year for pedigree dairy breeders to showcase their cows and heifers – the National Dairy Show (NDS) in Milstreet’s Green Glen Arena, taking place on the 13^th and 14^th of October this year. Exhibitors come from nearly every county in the country and already this year the committee have received entries from Monaghan, Limerick, Kildare, Kilkenny, Wicklow and Wexford to name but a few. Two exhibitors who won’t have quite as big a distance to travel are Pat Ahern, Moorshill Herd, Rylane, Co. Cork and Jason Helen, who farms with his parents Robert and Sylvia, and partner Laura Cornthwaite under the Eedy prefix, Clonakilty, Co. Cork.

Pat has shown many pedigree Jerseys at Milstreet over the years, winning the Heifer in Milk class last year with Moorshill Veronca Chrome. Moorshill Buttercup took home the Overall Jersey Champion Rosette in 2014. Pat talks about his experiences at the NDS very fondly “I’ve always enjoyed showing at Milstreet – there is a fantastic buzz around the show and the quality of cows is really excellent. Now my children have an interest in showing also it makes it all the more enjoyable. I’ve been exhibiting animals at Milstreet for over 20 years and I hope to still be showing there for many years to come.” Milstreet sees some of the biggest coloured breed classes around the country, and last years Championship was hotly contested by some superb cows and heifers in milk before Ballyealan Tequila Louise exhibited by Tom Lynch was tapped out as champion.

Cows and heifers from the Eedy herd can always be found in the NDS line ups taking home top prizes.  Eedy Alexander Acclaim ET won the coveted Confined Champion Award at the NDS in 2018. The Helen family also won the Premier Breeder award at last years show – which was due to a combination of Eedy winners shown by the Helens and cows and heifers they had bred and sold to new owners topping their classes. It was by far the highlight of the show for Jason “It was really special to win Premier Breeder last year, it’s a great reward to see heifers you have bred doing well for their new owners and competing at shows around the country”. After another busy summer of shows for the Helen family they are looking forward to finishing out the show season for 2023 at Milstreet, and hopefully out of the four entries they have this year a few will come home with rosettes!

The NDS are incredibly grateful to have the support of AXA Insurance as the main sponsors again this year. As part of their sponsorship package, each exhibitor will receive an AXA Farm Insurance Voucher to the value of €100. Moreover the NDS recognises the work it takes to turn out cows and heifers for a show day, especially when they are in milk and so all winners in the milking classes will receive a minimum of €200 in prize money – this is one of the best prize-fund pots in the country!

Come along to see these impressive animals and their breeders for yourself on the 13^th and 14^th of October at the Green Glens Arena Milstreet, Co. Cork.

For all exhibitors don’t forget to get your entries into Georgia Greenan at ggreenan @ihfa.ie before the closing date on TUESDAY 19^TH SEPTEMBER

Jason Helen with Eedy Crushabull Acclaim

Pat Ahern with Moorshill Buttercup

The Helen family collecting the Premier Breeder award for 2022

Judge Announced for 2023 National Dairy Show

For Immediate Release

13th- 14th October, Green Glens Arena, Millstreet, Co.Cork

Irelands Number One Dairy Event!

The AXA National Dairy Show Committee are delighted to announce Niels Erik Haahr as the judge for this years National Dairy Show. The 41st edition of the show takes place in its usual venue of the Green Glens Arena, Millstreet, Co. Cork on the earlier date of the 13^th and 14^th of October for 2023.

This year’s esteemed judge, Niels Erik Haahr, is one of the top Holstein breeders in Denmark, and works with cattle in Germany and Scandinavia, investing in high-quality genetics from across the world.  Haahr and his wife Anja, along with their four children run the Anderstrup Herd which will be a familiar prefix to many farmers – Anderstrup Holsteins is the source of numerous top AI bulls used all over Europe. For example, the VikingGenetics sires Mandel (MOM-Didrik; Tirsvad Luke Classic family) and Miracle (Massey-Roumare; Tir-An Calano Kristine family),who combined have produced over 40,000 daughters, or Anderstrup Clash-P, a Powerball also from the Classic family who is currently the highest scoring bull on the Italian progeny proven list. Prominent Red Holstein bulls have also come from Anderstrup, of note are numerous sons of SPH Croteau Brekem Saigon-Red, such as Sting, Gonzales and Marsden-P in Germany and Sky-Red in Scandinavia. The herd numbers 540 cows with an average production of 17,052 kg milk at 3.82% Fat and 3.5% Protein, last year they were the number 1 production herd in Europe, a significant achievement!

Haahr is no stranger to the show ring as both an exhibitor and judge, his judging accolades include the European Red Holstein Show in Germany and judging National shows all across Spain, Holland, Belgium, England, Portugal, Denmark and many more. Haahr is clear in what he will be looking for at this years show “I follow a two-type model when it comes to assessing cows. I’m searching for a well-balanced animal with super feet and legs as well as an outstanding udder. The mammary system is very important for me, and key for any dairy producer looking to get a good result from their herd.”

The National Dairy Show will run over Friday the 13th and Saturday the 14th of October with dairy classes and the large trade show taking place over both days, which proved a hugely successful move last year! Punters and exhibitors alike commented on the huge crowd attending both days and the electric atmosphere throughout the venue. The event has become the meeting place of the dairy industry and will again include the biggest specialised dairy trade exhibition in Ireland. There will be major exhibitors in the area of AI, animal health, breeding & dairy agritech, milking equipment, robotics , livestock machinery, finance, dairy services, nutrition, soil & land management, dairy inputs and many other areas in attendance. There is still time to get those entries in for both livestock exhibitors (deadline 19^th September) and trade stands (29^th September) – see https://nationaldairyshow.com/ for more

The National Dairy Show Committee look forward to welcoming you to Milstreet once again this October.

I captured my shadow,  enjoying the busy bees and butterflies flitting around Millstreet’s pollinator park on a changeable weather Sunday morning.

The whitethorn is in full bloom, an indication of a long summer ahead?

Read more about the Piseogs for the whitethorn plant