There was a steady stream of visitors to the farm of Tom and Michael Dunne in Kilworth for a recent open day that focused on the virtues of their Norwegian Red herd. Having conducted extensive research, the Dunnes have selected this Scandinavian breed for their successful dairy operation. The Dunnes are enthusiastic advocates of these Norwegian cows which are smaller than conventional Fresians and whose colour markings range from red, to red and white and all black. An easy to manage and intelligent animal, they've taken very quickly to the Dunne's robotic milking system. Other benefits of the Norwegian Reds include generous milk yields with high protein content, very little fertility problems and ease of calving.
The open day was held in conjunction with Teagasc and Dovea Genetics and speakers included Michael Healy (Teagasc, Mallow), Dr Frank Buckley (Teagasc, Moorepark) and Liam Healy (Geno UK). Visitors were allowed free access to the cows who are very placid; there was also the option of seeing the Dunne's state of the art facility where their 316 strong herd are milked. The well attended event was helped by an exceptionally fine day. 

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