Carrickshock National Open Day 2024 - a review

Last year, June 2024, Pat, Claire, the Cleary family, Hugginstown, our sponsors and exhibitors, club members and wider dairy farmer community got together to view and appreciate the Carrickshock Herd.

Here's why:

The Carrickshock Herd, represents a rich legacy as the third generation family to uphold this respected dairy farm. With a dedicated team milking 209 cows, the Carrickshock Herd has been pedigree since 2002, showcasing a commitment to quality and excellence in dairy production. The herd boasts impressive average milk solids, with 4.36% fat and 3.42% protein, resulting in a remarkable 1,400 kg of milk solids produced per hectare. The economic breeding index (EBI) stands at €204, supported by a robust 90% calving rate over the past year. Pat emphasizes the importance of breeding for high fertility, solids, and milk yield, carefully selecting bulls for the herd based on their performance, whether for artificial insemination or direct breeding. Additionally, the farm utilizes a balanced approach to fertilization, applying 9 kg of organic nitrogen alongside 93 kg of chemical nitrogen to optimize crop growth and herd health.

Performance metrics for the Carrickshock Herd reveal an average annual yield of 6,954 kg of milk per cow, with 545 kg of milk solids produced each year. The herd maintains an impressive classification record, featuring 9 excellent (EX), 57 very good (VG), and 46 good plus (GP) classifications, resulting in an average classification score of 82. With an average interval of 364 days between calvings and a consistent 90% calving rate, the herd exemplifies efficiency and productivity. The decision to focus on Pure Friesian genetics has proven beneficial, as this dual-purpose breed is known for its adaptability, excellent fertility, longevity, and quality conformation, making it a profitable choice for the Carrickshock operation.

Click or zoom in to view the details of the Carrickshock Herd

With great weather and with great hospitality on offer, the video of images here demonstrates what a special type of event on-farm open days are.

The Carrickshock Open Day 2024 - a collection of great images and memories

But the on-farm open day has grown so much, we have to rethink how we can continue to serve the demand from a growing club and wider commercial dairy farmer community. So in October, 2025, we're doing something a little different....