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Dairy Events

Breeding Week 2025

Monday, 24th - Tuesday, 1st April

The breeding season on Irish dairy farms has become increasingly concentrated in the late April to June period. The purpose of Breeding Week, which takes place from Monday, 24th March - Tuesday, 1st April, is to provide timely reminders to farmers on important genetic and technical issues underpinning a successful dairy breeding season.

Get more information on breeding and genetics here 

See details of the events taking place throughout the week below

Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Tuesday, 1st April


Monday, 24th March


Podcast

The Dairy Edge Podcast
presented by Stuart Childs and James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialists

Sean Coughlan, CEO of the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), joins Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge to discuss Irish dairy, dairy beef breeding and everything in between.

Sean discusses the National Genotyping Programme, the changes that they have made to improve for 2025 and how they have even more herds taken into the programme and will be looking to recruit more later on this year with the long term view to have a fully genotyped national herd in the future.

Listen to The Dairy Edge Podcast here

Teagasc Daily Article

Maximising Beef without Compromising on Calving

Beef from the dairy herd makes up nearly 66% of the national kill in Ireland. This proportion will likely increase in the future. Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, and Dan O’Riordan, ICBF, explain how farmers can balance easy calving with strong beef traits, getting the best of both worlds. Read the article here


Tuesday, 25th March


Realising the Genetic Potential of Your Herd - Mart Events

A series of Mart Events are taking place throughout Breeding Week, in association the Dairy Co-ops.

Topics to be discussed at the events include:

  • Maximising your genetic potential and getting the most from your genetics (Farmer Speakers)
  • Practical Advice for successful use of sexed semen
  • Understanding DBI (Dairy Beef Index) and CBV (Commercial Beef Value)

See venues and times below

Cork  |  11am - 1pm
Cork Marts, Macroom, Co. Cork
in conjunction with Munster Bovine and Dairygold

Kerry  |  11am - 1pm
Listowel Mart, Listowel, Co. Kerry
in conjunction with Munster Bovine and Kerry

Waterford  |  11am - 1pm
Cork Marts, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford
in conjunction with Tirlán

Breeding on Farm Workshop

Monaghan  |  11:30am

On the farm of Niall & Anthony Cadden, Gransha, Clones, Co. Monaghan. Eircode: H23 HF64
in conjunction with Lakeland Dairies

Topics to be discussed include:

  • Cow Body Condition Score (BCS) – increase submission rates and conception rates with correct BCS.
  • Cow Selection – accelerate your herd’s genetic gains through cow selection.
  • Dairy Beef Index (DBI) – Maximise calf quality with the use of the DBI index.
  • Sire Selection – Understanding and selecting for the traits your herd requires.


Wednesday, 26th March


Realising the Genetic Potential of Your Herd - Mart Events

A series of Mart Events are taking place throughout Breeding Week, in association the Dairy Co-ops.

Topics to be discussed at the events include:

  • Maximising your genetic potential and getting the most from your genetics (Farmer Speakers)
  • Practical Advice for successful use of sexed semen
  • Understanding DBI (Dairy Beef Index) and CBV (Commercial Beef Value)

See venues and times below

Kilkenny  |  11am - 1pm
Kilkenny Mart, Cillín Hill, Kilkenny
in conjunction with Tirlán

Donegal  |  11:30am
Raphoe Mart, Raphoe, Co. Donegal
in conjunction with Aurivo

Teagasc Daily Article

Ensuring the best performance from synchronisation programmes

Dairy Specialist at Teagasc, Stuart Childs takes a closer look at synchronisation programmes and offers tips on how to ensure maximum performance. Read the article here


Thursday, 27th March


Realising the Genetic Potential of Your Herd - Mart Event

A series of Mart Events are taking place throughout Breeding Week, in association the Dairy Co-ops.

Topics to be discussed at the event include:

  • Maximising your genetic potential and getting the most from your genetics (Farmer Speakers)
  • Practical Advice for successful use of sexed semen
  • Understanding DBI (Dairy Beef Index) and CBV (Commercial Beef Value)

See venue and time below

Cork  |  11am - 1pm
Corrin Mart, Fermoy, Co. Cork 
in conjunction with Munster Bovine and Dairygold

Breeding on Farm Workshop

Westmeath  |  11:30am

On the farm of Derek Ray, Rosemount, Moate, Co. Westmeath. Eircode: N37 P2W5. 
in conjunction with Lakeland Dairies

Topics to be discussed include:

  • Cow Body Condition Score (BCS) – increase submission rates and conception rates with correct BCS.
  • Cow Selection – accelerate your herd’s genetic gains through cow selection.
  • Dairy Beef Index (DBI) – Maximise calf quality with the use of the DBI index.
  • Sire Selection – Understanding and selecting for the traits your herd requires.

Realising the Genetic Potential of Your Herd - Webinar

The Teagasc Wicklow/ Carlow/ Wexford Advisory Region is hosting a Realising the Genetic Potential of Your Herd webinar on Thursday, 27 March from 12pm - 1pm.

button linking to join the session on zoom

Topics and speakers include:

  • Cow Selection: accelerate your herd’s genetic gains through cow selection
    Paul Keogh, Teagasc Advisor
  • Sire Selection: Understanding and selecting for the traits your herd requires & using the Dairy Beef Index (DBI)
    Kay O’Connell, Teagasc Advisor
  • Practical Advice for successful use of sexed semen
    Joris Somers, Tirlán
  • Maximising your genetic potential and getting the most from your genetics
    Donal Murphy, Ferns Dairy Farmer and Martin Doyle, Teagasc Advisor


Friday, 28th March


Realising the Genetic Potential of Your Herd - Mart Event

A series of Mart Events are taking place throughout Breeding Week, in association the Dairy Co-ops.

Topics to be discussed at the event include:

  • Maximising your genetic potential and getting the most from your genetics (Farmer Speakers)
  • Practical Advice for successful use of sexed semen
  • Understanding DBI (Dairy Beef Index) and CBV (Commercial Beef Value)

See venue and time below

Meath  |  11am - 1pm
Teagasc, Grange, Co. Meath
in conjunction with Tirlán


Tuesday, 1st April


Realising the Genetic Potential of Your Herd - Mart Event

A series of Mart Events are taking place throughout Breeding Week, in association the Dairy Co-ops.

Topics to be discussed at the event include:

  • Maximising your genetic potential and getting the most from your genetics (Farmer Speakers)
  • Practical Advice for successful use of sexed semen
  • Understanding DBI (Dairy Beef Index) and CBV (Commercial Beef Value)

See venue and time below

Mayo  |  7:30pm
Balla Mart, Carrowntober Oughter, Co. Mayo
in conjunction with Aurivo