ICBF has been established to achieve the greatest possible genetic improvement in the national cattle herd for the benefit of Irish Farmers, the Dairy and Beef industries and Members. Its members are 42 organisations providing Artificial Insemination, Milk Recording, and Herd Book services in Ireland and includes the farmer representative organisations IFA and ICMSA. ICBF provides genetic evaluations for Irish beef and dairy cattle and is establishing a national cattle breeding database.
The Society was established in the form of a co-operative Society in 1965 and the Irish Charolais Herd Book was subsequently set up. The Council of the Society is responsible for the - maintenance of the integrity of the Herd.
As the co-ordinating organisation for co-operatives in Ireland, ICOS provides a range of services to its member co-operatives and represents them on national and international organisations.
The ICMSA represents the views of farmers at Local, National and European Union levels.
The IFA is committed to providing its members and the general public with as much information as possible on the association, its activities and its policies.
The Irish Hereford Society is the body responsible for the promotion and development of the Hereford breed in the Republic of Ireland.
The first Irish Friesian Club was formed in 1927 under the auspices of the British Friesian Cattle Society. The Irish Friesian Breeders Association was formed in 1965 with Brendan Dunleavy its first secretary and the IHFA were accorded greater autonomy with the appointment of its own Chief Executive Kevin Dillon in 1991.
The first Limousin cattle, eight F series heifers, came to Ireland in 1972. The Society operates under the Friendly Society principle as a members co-operative under the rules and guidance of ICOS.
Promoting Irish bloodstock
One of the oldest beef breeds in France. They originated from the west central part of France at the beginning of the century, occupying an area stretching from the borders of Brittany to the Charente basin. The Irish Parthenaise society intends through the GENEIRELAND programme with ICBF to have similar breed advancement as the French with the breed.