The Rise of Elite Dairy Genetics in Northern Ireland

Recent years have witnessed a notable trend among dairy farmers in Northern Ireland as they increasingly invest in the world's best Holstein genetics. This move towards superior genetics is characterized by the burgeoning international trade in elite embryos. As dairy breeder Iain McLean highlights, the trend is bound to 'strengthen further'.

A noteworthy event in this realm was the recent sale of a young Holstein cow for $1 million at the Intrigue sale in the United States, indicating the high value attached to these genetics. McLean, who manages the Priestland herd near Bushmills, noted that embryos from such valuable bloodlines are expected to reach Northern Ireland soon.

McLean emphasized the multifaceted benefits of improved genetics at this year’s Omagh Show, stating, 'Improved genetics is delivering across all aspects of dairy performance: milk output, milk quality, efficiency of performance, and enhanced animal health.'

Highlighting a major transaction, Olortine Avenger Design, a four-year-old Holstein cow bred in Ontario, Canada, sold for $1 million to GenoSource in Iowa. This transaction occurred amidst rising farm gate milk prices, fueling significant increases in milk output in the UK and Ireland—by approximately 10% year-on-year over the past two months.

In the broader context, the Dale Farm cooperative broke the one billion litre milk supply barrier over the past year. CEO Nick Whelan attributes this to a combination of strong milk prices, competitive feed prices, and favorable farming conditions in 2025. The cooperative's second cheddar cheese plant, now fully operational, is processing the increased milk supply, running at full capacity well ahead of initial schedules.

Whelan put the growth into perspective, highlighting that the milestone achieved was expected only by 2028/29, underscoring the rapid advancements and efficiencies within the sector.