Irish Pure Friesian Open day a success
The “Kilsunny” herd of Mr Trevor and Louise Dudley & family was the host venue for the 2011 Irish Pure Friesian Open day. The unwelcome weather forecast of rain failed to dampen enthusiasm as farmers travelled from near and far to avail of the chance to view this top class herd of pure Friesians at Kilsunny House, Dovea, Thurles, Co Tipperary.
Cows were first milked at Kilsunny by Trevor’s late father Edward Dudley Senior who milked Shorthorn cows. British Friesians were introduced in the 1950’s and with the advent of AI technology, semen from local AI station Dovea AI was used frequently and almost all cows and offspring in the present herd are sired or descended from Dovea AI bulls.
Trevor took over the running of the herd in 1970 and was hugely interested in pedigree stock and had the vision of building a high quality herd based on the top genetics of the day. With this foresight, the herd was graded to full pedigree status in 1985 and the Judy, Ruby, Julia, Florrie, Lucy and Lady cow families were first registered. Three pedigree heifers were purchased from the Stradavoher herd in the early 1980’s and the Trump, Lily and Lilac cow families are descended from that bloodline. The herd expanded considerably over the next number of years with current cow numbers at 72 which are split 35:65 over Autumn and Spring calving.
The 72 cows and followers (which include 70+ calves reared on farm yearly) are farmed on 90 acres of grassland and a further 30 acres rented. In addition the Dudley family operate a successful pedigree Hereford enterprise, comprising of 15 cows and calves which are regularly shown at summer shows throughout the country. In 2010-2011 the herd averaged 7,795 kgs at 3.52% Protein in 305 days and 28 pedigree bulls were sold for breeding during the season. The sale of premium bulls constitutes a core element of the farming philosophy at Kilsunny and repeat customers have been regularly purchasing Kilsunny bulls since the 1980’s.
There was a stock judging competition organised by the Pure Friesian Club.
Gavin Stockdale of the “Castledale” herd in Northern Ireland was Master Judge for the day. He milks 130 Pure Friesians on tha Ards peninsula in Co. Down and he also has a bull “Castledale Odyssey” (CDQ) on test with Dovea AI. He commented on the quality of the stock on display and also the uniformity of the herd. He congratulated the Dudley family and the Pure Friesian Club on hosting such a successful day and thanked them for the invitation to act as Master Judge.
Stock Judging Competition Results;
Senior
1st Philip Kinane, Parkstown, Horse and Jockey, Thurles, Co Tipperary
2nd Aidan Power, Gurrane, Latteragh, Nenagh, Co Tipperary
Junior
1st Jack Spillane, Tullamaine, Fethard, Co Tipperary
2nd Eamonn Ryan, Ruane, Upperchurch, Thurles, Co Tipperary
3rd Nick Ryan, Foxes Den, Cashel, Co Tipperary
Following the stock judging competition there was a very successful youngstock sale of 35 lots including 4 young bulls.
Kilsunny Sale Report:
Colin Johnson & Co. Auctioneers officiated at the Kilsunny Irish Pure Friesian Sale. There was a 100% clearance and the Dudley family were pleased with the turnout and end result of the sale.
Highest price of €1,650 for a female was achieved by Kilsunny Judy 144 purchased by Conor Meade of Templemore. Highest price of €2,300 for a bull went to Kilsunny Millenium 13 who had an EBI of €106, sired by Dovea Millenium ET. Buyer was Hugh McInerny, Ballinagh, Co. Cavan.
Overall sale average was €1,200.
