Will you donate a calf to Bóthar?

It’s Spring-time and that means that Bóthar’s annual Spring Calf Appeal is now open.

Bóthar is asking farmers to donate a female Friesian calf that can be reared and put in-calf, so that in approximately 18 months time, the in-calf heifer will be ready to be sent to a struggling family in the developing world.

The appeal has been a very successful way of getting good quality animals for Bóthar’s dairy cow projects in countries such as Rwanda, Albania and Kosovo.

Calves donated to the appeal will be hand-reared by inmates at Shelton Abbey Open Prison, Co. Wicklow and Loughan House Open Prison, Co. Cavan. Once they mature, in approximately 18 months time, they will be transported to poor families in the developing world. During this time, the recipient families will get expert training in livestock care, so they are fully prepared to look after their Irish dairy cow.

Receiving the gift of an Irish dairy cow is like giving the keys to a successful business to a poor farming family. The moment the heifer calves and starts to produce milk is the moment life changes for the family. Irish dairy cows can produce up to 20 litres of milk per day, whereas for example in Rwanda, the local, indigenous cow produces just 1-2 litre per day. The income earned from the sale of surplus milk means better health, a better standard of living and better education prospects. It is truly life-changing.

Spring Calf Appeal Organiser, Pat Mullins is hopeful that this year’s appeal will be a success despite the current pandemic.  “I know we are living in different times but I hope that farmers will come on board and support the appeal this year. Farmers know the value of this animal and the life-changing gift it is. The main focus of the appeal is to secure good quality calves but we also need funds to transport the in-calf heifers, so if there are non-dairy farmers out there that would like to get involved in getting the animals there, I would ask them to give me a call.

I’ve witnessed so many success stories over the years. These animals are the difference between abject poverty and becoming self-sufficient. Mothers who went to bed hungry every night were given the opportunity to transform their lives, send their children to university and basically have a completely different outcome in life. It’s all because of the mighty cow and the farmer who donated it,” he said.

For anyone who would like to donate an animal, Bóthar will collect your animal when it is safe to do so and will strictly adhere to all the necessary guidelines.

If you would like to donate a dairy calf to Bóthar please contact Pat Mullins, Bóthar on Freephone 1800 268 463 or email patmullins@bothar.ie

The Spring Calf Appeal will run until 31st March 2021.