‘It might be a bit old-fashioned, but I think having a valuable calf is important’

THE O’Sullivans have introduced more Holstein genetics in recent years to what had been a primarily British Friesian herd.

“We had British Friesiantype cows over the years, but we’re starting to cross them over to high-EBI Holsteins so we can improve the genetics of the herd,” says Kieran.

“This will also maintain a good Friesian-type cow, which suits our farming system, especially with its fragmented nature.

“It might be a bit oldfashioned, but I think having a valuable calf is important.

“That is why we’re slow to go down the crossbreeding road we like to ensure any animal that comes off the farm has a good value.

“We’re at the end of the first three weeks of breeding, so we have almost all of the herd covered.

“We breed replacements for the first couple of weeks and then beef bulls take care of the rest.

“We used to keep all of the beef calves on the farm, but now most are sold off it. We were looking for a different market for the last few years so we contacted Irish Hereford Prime.

“For the last few years, we used certain bulls that they want to try and they buy the calves off me.

“It works well because we have a guaranteed market for them and they go to beef farmers in the country.

“A price is agreed between us and the buyer which we are happy with.

Breeding strategy:

Kieran O’Sullivan has started to cross his British Friesiantype cows with Holstein genetics

“There are a lot of good beef farmers in the country and I think it would be good if dairy farmers could work alongside them to improve farming in general.”

When he’s not farming Kieran’s “second love” is the GAA and he has been involved in his local club Goleen for most of his life.

“We’re in football country here in West Cork it’s always been my biggest passion outside of farming, so I’m looking forward to the lockdown being lifted so I can go to games again,” he says.