2023 European Holstein & Red Holstein conference

2023 European Holstein & Red Holstein conference - “Farming with Nature - Future Proof the Cow”

The IHFA has the distinct pleasure of hosting the 2023 European Holstein & Red Holstein conference taking place from the 26th to 29th of April 2023 in the Castleknock Hotel, Dublin.  IHFA launched the conference at the IHFA All Ireland Awards at the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise on the 25th of January.

As the premier Holstein herdbook event in Europe, the conference will include the EHRC AGM and conference sessions focused on Holstein genetics for all systems, new trends & traits, digitalisation on farm and cows of the future. The conference activities include farm visits to the Monamore Herd of Tom Kelly and the UCD Lyons research herd, a gala ball, the Emerald Expo show and much more. This is a gathering not to be missed! 

The conference is for farmers, industry experts and all Holstein enthusiasts and will have something for everyone whether they are coming from Castleisland or Cremona. To register for the 2023 conference please visit the IHFA Web site at:  www.ihfa.ie/ehrc2023

Please note accommodation is to be booked separately, a range of options are also detailed on the website along with the conference schedule.  We look forward to welcoming friends new and old to Dublin for an exciting few days discussing all things Holstein!

Some of our distinguished guests and speakers include Lars Nielsenm Chief Breeding and Production Officer at Viking Genetics, Dr. Finbar Mulligan UCD, Dr. Donagh Berry Teagasc and Dr. Siobhan Ring ICBF.

History of the EHRC

The EHRC was established in 1966 to improve, develop and promote the Holstein and Red Holstein breed by close co-operation of all officially recognised European Herdbooks. Prior to this European Herdbook Societies had no co-ordinated co-operation, each administering its herdbook according to its own rules. This led to very different breeding goals across the continent and difficulties in getting pedigree registrations recognised across member states. The EHRC established the hugely successful European Show which has been postponed due toCovid. We look forward to being able to attend this great Conference in 2023 instead. The EHRC is hugely supportive of young breeders and published an extensive guide for young breeders on how to prepare, train and care for animals for showing. The EHRC also operates European Judging conferences which form necessary training and appraisal for individuals wishing to join the prestigious European Holstein Judges Panel. The judges panel was formed to harmonise judging across Europe; standardising showring protocols, judges assessment and reason giving techniques. In Europe, Holstein judges are advised to consider four composite traits, namely Dairy Character (10%), Frame (25%), Feet & Legs (25%) and Mammary System (40%) in line with linear trait scoring that is carried out across the member states for classification of Holstein animals. In 2019 the European Holstein Judges Workshop was held in Ireland and we are very proud to have four Irish judges on the current panel; Paul Hannan, Garry Hurley, Victor Jackson and Gary Jones.

For further information on the history and ongoing work of the EHRC visit www.euholsteins.com