Northern Ireland Dairy Farmers Invest in Genetic Advancements
Despite recent challenges in global milk markets, dairy farmers in Northern Ireland are continuing to focus on the future of their businesses by investing in breeding and infrastructure. This was highlighted by Ivan Minford, product manager at Ai Services, during his attendance at the Armagh Show 2026. Minford emphasized the long-term nature of dairy farming and the importance of being prepared to capitalize on future market improvements.
Minford stated, “Milk producers fully recognize that, by its very nature, dairy farming requires a long-term commitment.” He also pointed out that improvements in infrastructure and breeding are essential investments that farmers must continue to make.
Genetic advancements play a crucial role in the sustainability and profitability of dairy farming. Minford noted that while past breeding decisions focused primarily on milk yield, modern genetic selection encompasses a broader range of traits. These include improvements in butterfat and protein percentages, as well as breeding for cows that are fertile, low-maintenance, and efficient in converting feed to milk solids.
Furthermore, Minford highlighted the role of genetics in enhancing resistance to diseases like bovine tuberculosis and contributing to environmental sustainability. Recent research supports the idea that an animal’s genetic makeup can significantly influence methane output and the regulation of urinary nitrogen levels and phosphorus excretion rates.
Ai Services has recently launched its ‘Summer 2026’ Dairy Catalogue, which features new Holstein sires such as Peak Sixty ET and POWERBUCK, the latter of which is now daughter proven in the UK. These new entries reflect the ongoing commitment to leveraging genetic information to improve dairy farming outcomes.
Minford concluded by emphasizing that with the advancements in genomics, identifying desirable traits in young bulls is now achievable, providing farmers with a broader selection of sires to choose from to meet their breeding goals.
