Key Data
Name: Ryan McElhinney, Magheraboy Herd
Number of Cows:130
Herd Type: Spring Calving high-genetic Holstein Friesian
New Entrant: 2022
SCC: 70K-90K
Teat Spray: BoPro Vitamin Enhanced.
Milk Solids: 578KG
Butterfat: 4.71%
Protein: 3.95%
County: Donegal
For dairy farmer Ryan McElhinney, success on farm comes down to making informed decisions, focusing on the details, and continuously looking for ways to improve.
Based near Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ryan operates the Magheraboy Herd, a pedigree registered Holstein Friesian spring-calving herd. At 34 years of age, Ryan has built an impressive dairy enterprise after entering dairy farming in 2022, having previously farmed beef and sheep.
While the family still runs sheep & beef on the farm, Ryan’s focus is mainly on producing high-performing cows, maintaining excellent herd health, and using every available tool to drive genetic progress.
Using Key Data to Drive Performance
Ryan’s approach to farming is built around making decisions based on accurate information rather than assumptions.
Through the use of ICBF genetic evaluations, milk recording data, and IHFA classification information, Ryan is able to identify the strengths and weaknesses within his herd and make targeted breeding decisions.
“Genetics is one of the biggest things I would encourage farmers to focus on. The cows you bring into your herd today will influence your performance for years to come. If you start with poor genetics, you are always trying to catch up,” explains Ryan.
This focus on breeding and performance has delivered impressive results. Ryan achieved the Dairy Farmer Finisher Award for Foyle Foods.
Focusing on Cow Health and Milk Quality
While genetics plays a key role in Ryan’s success, he believes that maintaining excellent cow health and attention to detail are equally important.
Managing cell count, maintaining good teat condition, and creating a strong hygiene routine are all priorities on the farm. Ryan pays close attention to cell count, “Looking after cell count and paying attention to teat condition is something we put a lot of focus into. Small details make a big difference when it comes to keeping cows healthy and performing well,” says Ryan.
Using Bopro Vitamin Enhanced Teat Spray
Ryan started to use BoPro teat spray as part of his daily milking routine in 2022, after being recommended by another farmer in the area who was getting great results.
“With BoPro, we’ve been very happy with the results. Our cell count is sitting around 70–90k, and we’re happy with the teat condition of the cows”.
“During the summer months, we actually spray some extra BoPro Teat Spray onto the udders and back of the cow because it works so well at keeping the flies away.”
Managing the Challenges of Dairy Farming
Like all farmers, Ryan faces challenges throughout the year, particularly when it comes to weather and grass management.
“Getting cows into the right grass covers and making sure you are taking the time to look at cow performance are always important. Knowing when to make decisions, including when cows need to be culled, is part of keeping the herd moving forward.”
Despite these challenges, Ryan’s focus remains on continual improvement and finding practical solutions that make the farm more efficient.
Future plans for the farm
Include installing a smaXtec bolus heat protection system, adding a drafting system to reduce labour requirements, introducing a robotic scraper, and continuing to improve grassland management through reseeding.
Ryan is also exploring embryo transfer as part of his breeding strategy, with the aim of bringing further genetic improvement into the herd.
A Commitment to Quality
Supplying milk to Aurivo Co-op, Ryan’s herd produced 578kg of milk solids last year, with butterfat of 4.71% and protein of 3.95%.
For Ryan, achieving these results comes back to one simple principle: focus on quality in every area of the farm.
From breeding decisions and cow health to hygiene routines and investing in the right technology and products, every decision contributes to building a more efficient and sustainable farming system.
Ryan’s story is a great example of how combining data-driven decisions, attention to detail, and the right farm management practices can deliver outstanding results.
Find out more about Ryan's Farm Management here:
Building a Top-Performing Herd: How New Entrant Ryan McElhinney Is Making a Big Impact - ICBF
130-cow Donegal dairy farmer wins beef factory quality award - Agriland.ie