Ireland Genetics host farmers from Devon Grassland Society
(IG) Ireland Genetics recently hosted a superb group of dairy and beef farmers from the Devon Grassland Society.
To showcase the real-world performance of our genetics and illustrate Ireland’s collaborative breeding efforts, Ireland Genetics (IG) organized visits for the group to various herds and industry partners across the country:
- Pat Walsh, Lispopple, Swords, Co.Dublin
- Niall Hartford, Kennetstown, Bellewstown, Drogheda, Co.Louth
- The ICBF Beef & Dairy Progeny Test Centre, Tully, Co.Kildare
- The Kepak Farm, Caulstown, Dunboyne, Co.Meath
- The Moorepark’25 Open Day
The group also received a detailed talk from NCBC CEO Dr. Doreen Corridan. She discussed the NCBC breeding programs and the diverse range of elite Dairy and Beef AI Sires the organization consistently produces, which are suitable for various farming systems, and available internationally through IG (Ireland Genetics). The group also visited the Moorepark’25 Open Day.
Discussions with the Irish host farmers and Industry partners covered a wide range of topics, including breeding strategies, youngstock rearing, pasture management, and the integration of technology in modern dairy farming.
A recurring theme of the trip was IG’s deeply evidence-based approach to its breeding programs. Only the very best sires, those with proven progeny performance on real farms, are kept for widespread use. This was especially clear in IG’s ‘Dairy-Beef’ offering. These beef bulls are put through a stringent progeny test, where vast quantities of data are collected with the crucial support of farmers and industry partners.
The group got to see the vast array of traits and also the sheer volume of progeny from the IG sires that have data recorded on them at the ICBF Dairy & Beef Research Centre at Tully and also at the Kepak farm where they are also recording methane intakes on their cattle in their finishing period.
A prime example of the volume of data that is being recorded is the IG Angus bull ‘Intelagri Matteo,’ who boasts an astonishing 82,753 progeny with performance records across 8,743 herds. This sheer volume of data, covering so many economically important traits, is unmatched worldwide. This collaborative effort ensures dairy farmers experience no calving difficulties, while the resulting offspring boast tremendous beefing ability and are ultimately profitable.
Informal discussions over cups of tea and farm walks allowed for open sharing of experiences, challenges, and successes. Great connections were made and we really look forward to keeping in contact with the Devon Grassland Society into the future.
A huge thanks is due to the host farmers who gave of their time and facilities to accommodate this trip. Many thanks to Mick O’Dowd and his Kepak colleagues for an outstanding tour of their facilities and also their extremely generous hospitality. Thanks also to David Kenny and Ciaran McDonnell for a very interesting tour of the ICBF Dairy & Beef Research Centre. Many thanks also to Michael Quinn (Progressive Genetics Breeding Advisor) for his assistance prior to and during the trip.
