ICBF and the program partners, have recently launched the exciting new Gene Ireland panel of high index beef bulls for Spring 2021. The breeding program is a joint initiative between Pedigree Breeders, Commercial farmers, Breed Societies, AI Companies, DAFM & ICBF. (more…)
ICBF and FBD would like to congratulate and thank this year’s winners and all the finalists involved in the 2020 FBD Breeding Awards. The hard work and determination shown by all the finalists across the beef, dairy and sheep categories will lead to a more profitable and sustainable future at both an individual and a national herd level. (more…)
The overall winners of the FBD Breeding Awards will be announced next Wednesday 3rd March at 8pm on the ICBF website www.icbf.com and all ICBF social media platforms. The winners will also be published in the Irish Farmer’s Journal on Thursday the 4th March. (more…)
Enda and Kevin Moloney operate a pedigree Limousin herd under the ‘Fermoyle’ prefix, situated outside Broadford, Co Clare. The herd consists of 16 pedigree Limousin cows, 8 commercial cows and 11 pedigree young bulls. Their main market for the pedigree bulls produced on the farm is suckler herds. For this reason, there is an emphasis placed on both the Replacement and Terminal Index. (more…)
Sean Brady along with his family, farm the Kilkitt pedigree Simmental herd outside Castleblaney, Co Monaghan. The herd’s Replacement Index now ranks in the top 10% nationally, having increased from €102 in 2016 to €118 in 2021. (more…)
Raymond Hanrahan along with his son Christopher run a 20-cow suckler to weaning enterprise near Gort, Co. Galway. The overall herd Replacement Index has made steady strides in the last 5 years from €79 in 2016 to €110 in 2021. (more…)
The national Beef herd currently stands at 950,963 cows, the population has seen a decline for the fourth consecutive year. In the last 4 years, the number of beef cows in Ireland has decreased by some 85,963 cows. (more…)
Thomas Bolger runs a 40-cow suckler to beef enterprise in Borris, Co. Carlow. Males are slaughtered as steers at 24 months. Steers are purchased in and finished alongside homebred animals. Surplus heifers are slaughtered at 22 months. (more…)
Kevin Browne operates a suckler to beef and sheep enterprise near Athlone in Co. Westmeath. Males are slaughtered as bulls U24 months. Surplus heifers are sold in-calf. The traits of most importance in this herd are easy calving, docility and milk. (more…)