Members’ enthusiasm and knowledge of breed recognised

TWO IHFA members have been recognised for their contribution to the association.

Introducing an Agricultural Analysis competition for young dairy farming enthusiasts and a Farmyard Olympics initiative were among the achievements of Avril Helen, which impressed IHFA president Kathleen Watson in awarding her the President’s Medal.

The IHFA Hall of Fame award winner is John Curtin from Rosstemple Herd, Athlacca, Co Limerick. The presentations were made at the IHFA Annual All Ireland Awards function at Portlaoise on Friday night.

Congratulating all the recipients of awards, Kathleen Watson said that they were being honoured not only for their cattle, but for the great knowledge and enthusiasm for farming and the black and white breed.

The President’s Medal is a special merit award given to a YMA member who has served the membership with distinction for both their contribution to and achievements within YMA, and is based on a selection process culminating in “three very strong” candidates reaching the interview panel stage.

“It’s encouraging for the future of farming to see that we have such enthusiastic and willing young people involved in the Young Members Association. Their love of cattle and farming was very evident. Their talent in people skills was also apparent from their abilities to organise new and exciting events in their clubs,” she said.

Announcing the award for Avril Helen from Clonakilty, Co Cork, she said that Avril has “been involved in all aspects of her club YMA over the years”.

“At national level she was very keen to involve all YMA members in a team effort representing their clubs. She introduced the Agricultural Analysis competition, a wild card entry for handlers, and the Farmyard Olympics which allowed members from different clubs to get to know each other and to have some fun without a high competitive level,” she said.

For the past two years, Avril has been chairperson of the Cork YMA Club which has been awarded Club of the Year.

John Curtin, who received the IHFA Hall of Fame award, has pioneered the production of flavoured milk on the dairy farm at Athlacca and has also been a very active member of the Limerick-Clare club for many years.