A recent visit to Greenlea Holsteins in Co Monaghan demonstrated the sheer magnitude of preparing for a National Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) Open Day. Preparations are in full swing for the prestigious event which will take place on the Greenan family farm at Crosshugh in Co Monaghan on Thursday 10 July.
The venue for this year’s iconic event is not by chance, Greenlea Holsteins is regarded as one of the most successful pedigree Holstein herds in the country. A third generation farmer, Padraic Greenan runs the farm alongside his wife Paula and three children, Hannah, Zoe and Ryan. One of five siblings, Padraic’s brothers are also closely involved in the farming and showing operations.
Pedigree journey
The family’s journey in pedigree breeding has not been easy. They first started breeding pedigree Holstein Friesians in 1995, when the herd was graded up under Padraic’s guidance, with the help of Bobby Franks.
Two years later the herd was completely wiped out by an outbreak of BSE. But perseverance prevailed as the herd was rebuilt with cattle purchased from two local herds. In 2000, disaster struck once again requiring another complete depopulation of the herd.
Resilience shone through once again and the herd was rebuilt with the purchase of 38 cows from France through David Clarke.
“Many of those original cow families that came from France remain here today and are some of our most successful breeding lines,” Padraic remarked.
In 2004 Padraic took over the running of the farm from his parents Jim and Mairead. Up until 2011, Padraic worked full time off-farm with a manufacturing company. Since then, he has focused solely on the farm, ably assisted by his wife and children, all of who are members of the Breffni Oriel Young Members Association (YMA).
The Greenan family and friends after winning the 2024 Diageo Baileys Cow competition at Virginia Show with Greenlea MG Rhapsody EX96. \ Maria Kelly
Cow families
Currently the herd comprises of 100 milking cows, all of which are milked through a 20-unit Dairymaster swingover parlour. Prominent cow families include Rhapsody, Apple, Katrina, Pledge, Roxy and Aiko.
In recent times, Padraic has invested in internationally recognised lines, including, Jeffrey-Way Spunky Red P, Floydholm MC Emoji, Duckett G Chip Tokyo and Fraeland Goldwyn Bonnie to name a few. Currently the focus is on imported US and Canadian genetics, used through artificial insemination (AI), 90% of which being sexed semen with the remainder of the herd bred to beef AI sires.
Show success
A quick look inside the trophy room at Greenlea tells you all you need to know about the herd’s success in the show ring, with a cabinet packed with silverware. In 2024, the herd won the over 80 cow section of the IHFA National Herds Competition along with the Judge’s Choice Prize. “It was our first year taking part in the competition, so that was a great achievement for us,” Padraic said. The real icing on the cake came when Greenlea MG Phapsody was crowned Diageo Baileys champion cow at Virginia Show in August 2024.
Padraic added: “She was the oldest cow in the ring at nine years old, so that was special and something we are all really proud of.”
Greenlea females on the farm in Co Monaghan, many of which have daughters in the upcoming on-farm sale. \ Georgia Greenan
Breffni Oriel Club
Longstanding members of the Breffni Oriel Club, the Greenlea herd has enjoyed some terrific days at club events, claiming the overall champion at the Breffni Oriel Calf Show in 2022 and 2023.
As well as this, the herd has competed in the club’s herd competition since its establishment, progressing to the premier section and winning the inspection title twice.
Padraic has also served as chairman and treasurer of the club as well as representing the region at national level on the IHFA board.
On-farm sale
This year’s open day will coincide with an on-farm sale of 50 females from the heart of the Greenlea herd. Conducted by Taaffe Auctions, the sale will comprise of 22 winter/spring-calving in-calf heifers and 28 maiden heifers. It will get underway at 4pm, with ringside and online bidding available through MartEye.
Also taking place on the day will be Inter-Club and Macra National Stock Judging Competitions, the announcement and presentation of the IHFA National Herds Competition awards and an all-day trade stand exhibition showcasing a wide range of products and services.
Scan this QR code to listen to Padraic Greenan speaking with Deputy Editor Adam Woods ahead of the open day.
A recent visit to Greenlea Holsteins in Co Monaghan demonstrated the sheer magnitude of preparing for a National Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) Open Day. Preparations are in full swing for the prestigious event which will take place on the Greenan family farm at Crosshugh in Co Monaghan on Thursday 10 July.
The venue for this year’s iconic event is not by chance, Greenlea Holsteins is regarded as one of the most successful pedigree Holstein herds in the country. A third generation farmer, Padraic Greenan runs the farm alongside his wife Paula and three children, Hannah, Zoe and Ryan. One of five siblings, Padraic’s brothers are also closely involved in the farming and showing operations.
Pedigree journey
The family’s journey in pedigree breeding has not been easy. They first started breeding pedigree Holstein Friesians in 1995, when the herd was graded up under Padraic’s guidance, with the help of Bobby Franks.
Two years later the herd was completely wiped out by an outbreak of BSE. But perseverance prevailed as the herd was rebuilt with cattle purchased from two local herds. In 2000, disaster struck once again requiring another complete depopulation of the herd.
Resilience shone through once again and the herd was rebuilt with the purchase of 38 cows from France through David Clarke.
“Many of those original cow families that came from France remain here today and are some of our most successful breeding lines,” Padraic remarked.
In 2004 Padraic took over the running of the farm from his parents Jim and Mairead. Up until 2011, Padraic worked full time off-farm with a manufacturing company. Since then, he has focused solely on the farm, ably assisted by his wife and children, all of who are members of the Breffni Oriel Young Members Association (YMA).
The Greenan family and friends after winning the 2024 Diageo Baileys Cow competition at Virginia Show with Greenlea MG Rhapsody EX96. \ Maria Kelly
Cow families
Currently the herd comprises of 100 milking cows, all of which are milked through a 20-unit Dairymaster swingover parlour. Prominent cow families include Rhapsody, Apple, Katrina, Pledge, Roxy and Aiko.
In recent times, Padraic has invested in internationally recognised lines, including, Jeffrey-Way Spunky Red P, Floydholm MC Emoji, Duckett G Chip Tokyo and Fraeland Goldwyn Bonnie to name a few. Currently the focus is on imported US and Canadian genetics, used through artificial insemination (AI), 90% of which being sexed semen with the remainder of the herd bred to beef AI sires.
Show success
A quick look inside the trophy room at Greenlea tells you all you need to know about the herd’s success in the show ring, with a cabinet packed with silverware. In 2024, the herd won the over 80 cow section of the IHFA National Herds Competition along with the Judge’s Choice Prize. “It was our first year taking part in the competition, so that was a great achievement for us,” Padraic said. The real icing on the cake came when Greenlea MG Phapsody was crowned Diageo Baileys champion cow at Virginia Show in August 2024.
Padraic added: “She was the oldest cow in the ring at nine years old, so that was special and something we are all really proud of.”
Greenlea females on the farm in Co Monaghan, many of which have daughters in the upcoming on-farm sale. \ Georgia Greenan
Breffni Oriel Club
Longstanding members of the Breffni Oriel Club, the Greenlea herd has enjoyed some terrific days at club events, claiming the overall champion at the Breffni Oriel Calf Show in 2022 and 2023.
As well as this, the herd has competed in the club’s herd competition since its establishment, progressing to the premier section and winning the inspection title twice.
Padraic has also served as chairman and treasurer of the club as well as representing the region at national level on the IHFA board.
On-farm sale
This year’s open day will coincide with an on-farm sale of 50 females from the heart of the Greenlea herd. Conducted by Taaffe Auctions, the sale will comprise of 22 winter/spring-calving in-calf heifers and 28 maiden heifers. It will get underway at 4pm, with ringside and online bidding available through MartEye.
Also taking place on the day will be Inter-Club and Macra National Stock Judging Competitions, the announcement and presentation of the IHFA National Herds Competition awards and an all-day trade stand exhibition showcasing a wide range of products and services.
Scan this QR code to listen to Padraic Greenan speaking with Deputy Editor Adam Woods ahead of the open day.
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